ROSE ANNE ROMANO, Husky breeder, sentenced to only two years in prison as part of a plea agreement

- Florida, USA -

On January 7, 2026, judge Guy Alan Flowers sentenced 43-year-old ROSE ANNE ROMANO (pictured), to only two years behind bars after pleading no contest and being found guilty of abusing dozens of innocent animals while in her care.

ROMANO has been credited with 172 days of time served for her two-year sentence.

Following her prison sentence, she will be on three years of probation for all aggravated animal cruelty counts, and then serve a consecutive term of five years of probation for the remaining felony counts.

ROMANO is also not allowed to “own”, “possess” or work with animals.

The case dates back to 2021 when ROMANO owned Strawberry Farms in Arcadia. On their website Strawberry Farms claimed to be a “Husky paradise.”

On October 28, 2021, Sergeant Kyle Paeplow with the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a concerned customer of Strawberry Farms on the condition of her puppy who had lost roughly 5 pounds while under the care of ROMANO.

Back then, the sheriff’s office said in a press release: “The more Sgt. Paeplow dug, the worse it got…”

Part of the press release stated: “The initial investigation turned up complaints from previous employees, arrests out of St. Pete and even a letter from a local vet who had to decline spaying one puppy because ‘she had wounds on her face… no palpable fat… ribs, vertebrae and pelvic bones easily visible’.”

The case was then turned over to the sheriff’s office CID (Criminal Investigation Division) and Sergeant Jennifer Bailey.

On November 9, 2021, after obtaining a search warrant, deputies along with DeSoto County Animal Control rescued thirty-nine adult dogs, nineteen puppies, and twenty-six other animals from deplorable conditions. The press release stated: “No food or water in sight. Feces and urine everywhere.”

Officials also found and rescued cats, lizards, mice, snakes, and a tortoise.

Deputies arrested ROBERT LEE POLK (also pictured), ROMANO’s husband and employee at Strawberry Farms. POLK was arrested at the scene and charged with eighty-two counts of animal neglect.

A warrant was then issued for ROMANO’s arrest.

The DeSoto Sheriff's Office tells me ROMANO “was determined responsible for a multitude of animal and fraud related crimes such as: uttering forged instruments, forgery of veterinary

inspection certificates, confinement of animals without sufficient food/water/exercise,

scheme to defraud, misrepresentation of dog breed, sex, or health, no pet health

certificate, and 18 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.”

On December 13, 2021, the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office announced that ROMANO had been arrested in Virginia by Salem Police Department and she was extradited to DeSoto County to face her charges. She was booked into DeSoto County Jail on 107 criminal charges and $75,000 bond.

The sheriff’s office also reported that sadly, “some of the dogs were in such bad health that despite prompt veterinary care and quality nutrition, they did not survive.”

In response to ROMANO’s sentencing, DeSoto County Sheriff James F. Potter said: “The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office is staunchly against animal cruelty. We will continue to

investigate incidences of animal abuse vigorously. If you see something, say

something.”

As for POLK, he has a hearing scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from press releases and information provided to Voice For Us by the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

Mugshots shared from the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office.

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