SHAN'TAYIA BRENAE EDWARDS accused of abandoning three dogs for an out of state job interview – Two dogs were found dead

- Florida, USA -

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office announced that on February 17, 2026, 32-year-old SHAN'TAYIA BRENAE EDWARDS (pictured), was extradited back to Marion County from Glynn County, Georgia, to face two felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and three misdemeanor counts of abandonment of an animal.

The charges stem from a November 6, 2025, investigation at a home in the 12380 block of SE 130th Court in Ocklawaha. Deputies had responded to the home to assist Marion County Animal Services with the execution of a search and seizure warrant.

Authorities discovered three dogs who had been abandoned at the home. Sadly, two of them were found lifeless. One of the deceased dogs was found tethered in the backyard of the home.

Animal Services removed the three furvictims and the two deceased dogs were sent to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine for a necropsy.

The surviving dog, named Olaf, was examined by a veterinarian who reported that he tested positive for microfilaria, heartworms, and hookworms causing an unthrifty coat. Olaf also had localized hair loss.

On December 24, 2025, the results of the necropsies came back. One of the dogs was in an advanced state of decomposition. The findings revealed that the two dogs were severely emaciated, with no palpable or visible fat coverage. At the time of death, neither dog had food in his/her stomach. The cause of death for one of the dogs was listed as complications of emaciation. Both furvictims were also found to be infected with hookworms.

As the investigation progressed, MCSO Agricultural Crimes Investigator McClaskey was able to establish that EDWARDS was the dogs’ guardian. Animal Control records showed prior contact at the home in question. In September 2025, Animal Services responded to the home in reference to reports about dogs being kept in a crate and tethered outside.

Investigator McClaskey also learned that in November 2025, EDWARDS left for Georgia for a job interview and did not return.

Several attempts to contact EDWARDS were unsuccessful so a warrant was issued for her arrest.

According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the Glynn County Police Department located EDWARDS on February 2, 2026, while she was working at a Waffle House. EDWARDS was placed under arrest and transported back to Florida. EDWARDS was booked into the Marion County Jail.

At the time of writing, records show that EDWARDS was released after posting a $4,000 bond on the aggravated animal cruelty charges and a $3,000 bond on the abandonment charges.

###

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Marion County 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.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!