CARLA MICHELLE SANCHEZ DIAZ arrested following an investigation into three dogs she claimed she had found at a gas station

- Florida, USA -

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrested 29-year-old CARLA MICHELLE SANCHEZ DIAZ (pictured).

According to the department’s press release, on August 29, 2025, deputies responded to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay after staff reported that three severely neglected dogs had been brought in.

Deputies learned from staff that a woman, later identified as SANCHEZ DIAZ, claimed she had found the dogs abandoned behind the Blessings Gas Station located at 18215 U.S. Highway 41.

One of the three dogs “was critically malnourished and showing signs of imminent death,” stated the release and in order to prevent further suffering, the poor soul was sadly euthanized.

SANCHEZ DIAZ must have thought she was out of the woods but thankfully for the dogs, deputies began an investigation.

As per the press release, deputies “identified several inconsistencies in her statements.”

On August 30, 2025, deputies obtained video surveillance from the gas station and after interviewing witnesses, it was determined that the three dogs were not at the gas station as claimed by SANCHEZ DIAZ.

SANCHEZ DIAZ was then located at her home in the 900 block of Montana Avenue and according to the sheriff’s office, she “voluntarily made statements acknowledging her involvement.”  

As deputies searched the residence, they discovered two additional dogs and five children.

Hillsborough County Animal Control took custody of the two dogs, while the Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of the children.

SANCHEZ DIAZ was arrested and charged with three counts of abandonment of an animal, three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, three counts of unlawful confinement or abandonment of an animal, two counts of cruelty to animals, and five counts of child neglect.

She was booked into the Hillsborough County Jail and at the time of writing, records show that she is still behind bars.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a written statement: “The conditions uncovered in this case are truly appalling. To subject both children and animals to such neglect is not only inexcusable, it is inhumane. Let me be clear: in Hillsborough County, cruelty and neglect will never go without consequence. We will always stand up for the most vulnerable, and we will ensure those responsible are held fully accountable. I applaud our deputies for their swift work to put this person behind bars.”

The investigation is ongoing.

I took the liberty of naming the furvictim who was euthanized, Baby for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

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

Mugshot shared from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

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BERNADETTE JAYNE MAYS, founder of Freedom Ranch Laredo, arrested following an investigation by the Webb County District Attorney’s Office

- Texas, USA -

Webb County District Attorney Isidro R. Alaniz announced the arrest of 33-year-old BERNADETTE JAYNE MAYS (pictured), founder of Freedom Ranch Laredo.

DA Alaniz explained during a press conference that an investigation into MAYS began on August 20, 2025, when an individual identified as Rangel, filed a complaint with his office against Freedom Ranch Laredo.

Five days later, the DA’s Office and an investigator took over the case and as part of the investigation, they visited Laredo Animal Care Services. At the facility, the dogs who had been surrendered by Freedom Ranch Laredo were found to be dehydrated and emaciated on top of being infested with fleas and ticks.

DA Alaniz said it was obvious the animals were neglected and were not being cared for.

Concerns regarding the animals at the Freedom Ranch Laredo were raised by a former employee and had been addressed to the Webb County Sheriff’s Office in early August 2025.

Sheriff Martin Cuéllar then released a statement to advise that on August 7, 2025, his office’s Patrol Division received a report concerning a potential case of animal cruelty at Freedom Ranch and concluded that investigators “found no evidence to support the allegations that had been made.”

According to Sheriff Cuéllar’s statement, on August 10, 2025, Sheriff Cuéllar, accompanied by his wife and Ms. Laura Llanes (Animal Rescue Advocate), along with members of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, visited Freedom Ranch Animal Rescue and an on-site inspection of the facility was conducted.

As per the statement, “The property appeared to be generally well-maintained and clean. Small breed dogs were housed in purpose-built kennels, while newly arrived animals were kept in separate enclosures for veterinary observation and treatment. The animals were reported to have received flea and tick treatments, and documentation of these treatments is maintained digitally. The rescue informed the Sheriff’s Office that these records are available for review. Additionally, food and water were observed to be accessible to the animals.”

Sheriff Cuéllar further stated that the allegations brought forward by the former employee were under investigation and assured the community that “the welfare of the animals has been carefully evaluated and that their basic needs—food, water, shelter, and medical attention—are being met.”

DA Alaniz said his office was not consulted on the investigation conducted by the Webb County Sheriff's Office. He also emphasized that his office’s investigation is independent from the one conducted by the sheriff's office.

While according to Sheriff Cuéllar everything was in order at Freedom Ranch Laredo, District Attorney Alaniz found probable cause for MAYS’ arrest.

MAYS was arrested on August 29, 2025, on thirty-one (31) counts of animal cruelty and booked into the Webb County Jail with a $77,500 bond. Online records show that she is no longer in custody.

After MAYS’ arrest, the Webb County Sheriff's Office took to Facebook to reiterate that the conditions at Freedom Ranch Laredo “seemed to be satisfactory.”

The post read:

“We genuinely understand the community's pain and sadness concerning the Freedom Ranch incident. During the initial visit by the investigators, the dogs were provided with food, water, and shelter, and it was observed that the newly arrived animals were being kept in isolation. At this point, the conditions seemed to be satisfactory.

A subsequent visit by investigators and a experienced animal advocate still indicated that there was inadequate evidence to establish probable cause for an arrest on charges of animal cruelty. Unfortunately, after the dogs were relocated, many were found to be suffering from internal illnesses, and three had to be euthanized. In cases where illness is not immediately visible, conditions can decline swiftly without clear indicators. Sadly, this was the situation here. This unfortunate development changes the circumstances and now allows for the possibility of pursuing further charges.

We share in the sorrow of this result and are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of animal welfare in Webb County.

The Sherriff's Office is currently looking into allegations regarding potential charges unrelated to animal cruelty at Freedom Ranch, collaborating with another law enforcement agency. Unfortunately, we cannot provide further comments on this matter as it is an ongoing investigation.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar also expressed his support for his investigators, noting that they excel in their duties, and he has full faith in his entire office and their abilities as a law enforcement agency.”

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: 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.

MAYS’ mugshot shared from the Webb & Zapata DA’s Office.

Pictures shared from the Webb & Zapata DA’s Office and the Webb County Sheriff's Office.

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ALEXIS G. HEITMANN arrested after witnesses saw her striking her dog multiple times

- New York, USA -

On August 22, 2025, Animal Control Investigators with the Ontario County Humane Society received a complaint about a dog who was being struck by a female in the backyard of a home on 58 Clifton Street in Phelps.

According to the complaint, witnesses saw 30-year-old ALEXIS G. HEITMANN striking the dog multiple times and “the dog could be heard wailing as he was struck,” said the Ontario County Humane Society.

The agency identified the furvictim as a 1-year-old male Shepherd/Husky named Bruce.

Investigators were told that on one occasion, HEITMANN was yelling at Bruce to stop barking while striking him. This particular incident took place on August 18, 2025, and Investigators were able to obtain a video confirming what had been reported by witnesses.

Investigators made contact with HEITMANN and placed her under arrest. She was charged with one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty.

Bruce was removed from the home and placed in the care of Happy Tails Animal Shelter. Thankfully, he is in “good health and uninjured.”

HEITMANN was released and is scheduled to appear in Phelps Town Court at a later date.

The Ontario County Humane Society said the Phelps Police Department assisted with the investigation.

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

Bruce’s picture shared from the Ontario County Humane Society.

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