ERIC MILTON KITZWEGER arrested – Two puppies found in a trash can, additional puppies and adult dogs found neglected and abused in deplorable conditions at a Putnam County home

- Florida, USA -

The Palatka Police Department arrested 65-year-old ERIC MILTON KITZWEGER (pictured).

On August 3, 2026, Officer Roberts with the Palatka Police Department responded to a residence on Husson Avenue in Palatka and met with Putnam County Animal Control Officers who were already on the scene.

AC Officers told Officer Roberts they had been called due to two puppies being left out in a trash can. It came to light that a sanitation worker found the puppies in a shoebox inside a trash can outside KITZWEGER’s home.

AC Officers explained that one of the two puppies was sadly already deceased when they arrived and was taken away by the garbage truck, while the other puppy “was in a state of extreme suffering,” according to the arrest report.

Officer Roberts reported that the puppy was extremely emaciated, with all of the ribs visible on his/her left side. The puppy was so weak that he/she was unable to fully lift his/her head. The puppy was rushed to a nearby veterinarian; however, he/she was so severely malnourished and abused that he/she did not survive.

Officer Roberts then made contact with KITZWEGER, the puppies’ guardian. KITZWEGER stated that the puppies had been born approximately three weeks ago and that both puppies were born sickly.

Officer Roberts wrote in his report that, while speaking with KITZWEGER, he detected an overwhelming odor of animal feces coming from the residence through an open window nearby. Officer Roberts further reported that he observed three other puppies and an adult female dog, whom he determined to be the mother of all the puppies.

According to the report, given the deplorable conditions in which the puppies and their mother were found, it was determined that, if they were not removed from the residence, they would most likely perish.

One of the puppies was severely dehydrated and exhibited signs of apparent neglect.

The puppies’ mother was extremely emaciated, with all of her ribs visible. She was also slow to react and had difficulty walking.

Officer Roberts reported that, inside the home, he observed copious amounts of both old and new dog feces throughout all areas of the house. According to his report, one of the rooms contained mounds of dog feces, to the extent that permanent stains had developed on the hardwood floor.

Officer Roberts also documented that in the living room he found two additional adult dogs surrounded by feces.  A couch in the living room had the cushions torn open, and the interior cushioning was matted with dog feces and urine.

Animal Control removed the three puppies and the adult dogs from the residence.

KITZWEGER was placed under arrest and booked into the Putnam County Jail.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is based on information contained in the arrest report.

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.

Mugshot shared from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

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