DAWN WAYNETTENICOLE LIPFORD arrested for callously abandoning a severely neglected dog on the side of the road who later died

- Florida, USA -

As a child, when my mother read me bedtime stories involving monsters, I always thought that a monster was someone without a heart, without a soul, prone to harm others without caring about the suffering caused.

Well, 42-year-old DAWN WAYNETTENICOLE LIPFORD (pictured), is the monster of this grievous story.

On Sunday, November 2, 2025, a woman found a dog, severely emaciated, curled up on the side of the road off Moncrief Road and 45^th Street.

Animal Care & Protective Services immediately stepped in and according to their Facebook post, their “emergency on-call Officer rushed to the scene.”

The furvictim, a Great Dane, was rushed to the shelter for urgent veterinary care. Staff named the dog Miracle in the hope he would pull through.

As Animal Care & Protective Services explained, “Miracle did his best to hold on as our team did everything they could, but he was too far gone by the time he got to us and tragically, he didn’t make it. He passed surrounded by staff members who had already gotten attached during their time caring for him. Someone had failed Miracle a long time ago, and it is devastating.”

The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office launched an investigation and took to social media requesting help from the community. The sheriff's office also advised that a reward of $8,000 was being offered for information leading to the monster who had failed Miracle.

Animal Care & Protective Services further mentioned in their Facebook post that 32244 Townsend area, 32210 103rd/Timuquana, 32277 Edenfield Rd, and W 45th 32208 area were addresses possibly linked to Miracle.

The agency shared a picture of Miracle when he was found, and a picture of Miracle as a puppy in 2023. According to the agency, Miracle’s photo as a puppy was taken “at the pet store he was purchased from.”

On November 7, 2027, the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office announced that LIPFORD was behind bars. The office’s press release stated: “Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office (JSO) Vice Unit worked tirelessly with ACPS to identify who was responsible for leaving Miracle in such terrible condition.”

During the investigation, detectives learned that Miracle’s real name was Oak.

At the time of writing, records show that LIPFORD is being held on a $25,000 bond.

LIPFORD’s first court appearance is scheduled for November 8, 2025. She is facing felony aggravated animal cruelty charges.

Michael Bricker Chief of Animal Care & Protective Services said: “What we wanted from this was accountability. Thanks to the hard work of the citizen, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, and our Animal Services Officer Stratton, it looks like we’re going to see exactly that.”

As Animal Care & Protective Services pointed out, “We can’t bring Oak back, but we can make sure his story stands for something. Justice matters. Compassion matters. And this community has shown both.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

LIPFORD’s mugshot shared from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office

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