TRAVIS LAMAR HOLTE JR. arrested after dog dies from strangulation while restrained outside animal shelter
- Florida, USA -
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrested 33-year-old TRAVIS LAMAR HOLTE JR. (pictured).
An arrest affidavit filed in Pinellas County Circuit Court accuses HOLTE of abandoning a white and tan female Pitbull mix outside Pinellas County Animal Services and causing her death by strangulation.
According to the affidavit, on the evening of Saturday, September 12, 2026, HOLTE chained the 25-pound dog to a wooden fence outside the shelter and left her there after normal business hours without access to food, water or shelter.
The affidavit states that the chain around the dog’s neck was secured “in manner that caused it to tighten and constrict around the dog's neck, resulting in strangulation and the animal's cruel death.”
According to the affidavit, the “dog died as direct result of the manner in which she was restrained and abandoned” by HOLTE.
Pinellas County Animal Services alerted the sheriff’s office to the incident and provided investigators with video surveillance.
HOLTE was arrested on the evening of September 18, 2026, and was released from the Pinellas County Jail after posting a $5,000 bond.
Pinellas County Animal Services shared the following statement with Voice For Us:
"Pinellas County Animal Services is deeply saddened by the death of a dog found tethered outside our facility last Sunday morning. The incident was promptly referred to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office for investigation.
We understand there are times when pet owners may feel they have nowhere else to turn. However, animals should never be dropped off outside the shelter or tied to our gates or fences. It can put them at serious risk and can constitute abandonment under the law.
If you need to surrender a pet, please contact Animal Services during normal business hours so our staff can help explore available options and safely receive the animal.
Please do not leave an animal unattended at our facility. There is always a safer option."
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is based on the affidavit obtained by Voice For Us. 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 provided to Voice For Us by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.
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