TAMMY ANNETTE ROOSA arrested and facing a slue of charges after her dog was found with his muzzle duct tape shut
- Florida, USA -
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 57-year-old TAMMY ANNETTE ROOSA (pictured).
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said that an Auburndale resident found a dog whose muzzle had been duct taped shut and posted a picture of the furvictim on Facebook “instead of notifying law enforcement or Animal Control about the situation.”
When members of the sheriff’s office came across the disturbing picture online, detectives immediately launched an investigation in an attempt to locate and rescue the dog and find the person responsible for wrapping the duct tape around the dog’s muzzle.
Detectives successfully located the resident who had found the dog and posted his picture on Facebook. The resident explained to detectives that she found the dog under a wheelchair ramp and he appeared to be hyperventilating. The resident then stated that she and her son cut the tape off, and the dog began breathing freely.
A detective began canvassing the neighborhood and was eventually able to track down the dog’s guardian, ROOSA, at 100 Chipman Lane, just off Old Berkley Road in Auburndale.
Sheriff Judd identified the dog as Cooper.
According to the sheriff, ROOSA admitted Cooper was hers and that she taped his muzzle the night before claiming that Cooper tried to bite her.
The detective reported that ROOSA “showed no sign of remorse and refused to accept that what she did was wrong.” She then surrendered Cooper to the sheriff’s office and the furvictim was taken to Polk County Animal Control-Florida where he was examined by Dr. Kerry Jackson. Dr. Jackson reported that in addition to scarring from the duct tape, Cooper was malnourished and had marks on his neck that indicated he had been tied up for an extended period of time.
At time of her arrest, ROOSA physically resisted but the detective was able to secure her in a patrol vehicle. ROOSA then asked the detective to retrieve her purse from inside her RV. When the detective entered the RV, he noticed a lot of garbage, roaches, and the strong odor of feces and urine. But that’s not all. The detective also found seven cats, a duck, two finches, three fish, and two lovebirds.
All of the animals were taken to Animal Control for examination and treatment.
Due to the amount of urine inside the RV, Polk County Fire Rescue was called to the scene to conduct an ammonia level reading and the agency determined there were “100 parts per million of ammonia, which is an extreme level that causes chronic respiratory problems, eye irritation, and other issues”, stated the press release by the sheriff’s office.
Furthermore, members of the Sheriff's Office Agricultural Crimes Unit inspected ROOSA’s property and reported finding piles of garbage, discarded household items and decaying materials in waist-high grass. Investigators also found leaking septic pipes and raw sewage, along with large numbers of flies and mosquitoes.
ROOSA was booked into the Polk County Jail and at the time of writing, records show she is still in custody. ROOSA is facing aggravated animal cruelty and animal neglect among other charges and is next scheduled to appear in Polk County Circuit Court on July 28, 2026, at 8:15 a.m. for her arraignment.
In a written statement, Sheriff Judd said: “Cooper the dog had been treated horribly, but I am happy to report that some good things have come out of this ordeal. Cooper is getting wonderful treatment and care by the great staff at Animal Control, and all of his little animal friends have been freed from their horrible living conditions as well. All of the animals are expected to fully recover.”
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Polk 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.
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