Three have been arrested and charged in Florida with animal cruelty after attempting to sell puppies on the beach from a cart.
On Sunday, July 7, 2024, Naples Police responded to a report of a city ordinance violation involving dogs on the beach at the Naples Pier.
Upon arrival, officers discovered Ernest Augustin, Mariel Palominoca Campos, and Yuniesky Campos Hartman attempting to sell puppies from a beach cart.
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The dogs were concealed under a blanket despite the 110-degree heat index.
Officers found six puppies in the cart, two of which were suffering from heat distress and near unresponsiveness.
Two of the dogs were observed to have shallow breathing and were nearly unresponsive, appearing distressed due to heat-related symptoms.
The puppies were immediately placed in a police vehicle with air conditioning and water, where they recovered after 20 minutes. Collier County Domesticated Animal Services took custody of the dogs for further medical evaluation.
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It was determined that the suspects had cruelly deprived the puppies of necessary sustenance and shelter.
All three individuals were arrested and charged with first-degree misdemeanor animal cruelty.
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