LEHIGH ACRES, Fla. — Two dogs were found tethered in a backyard without shelter, one with a prong collar was tied to a tree, when Lee County deputies responded to an animal complaint call on the 500 block of Wyoming Rd., in Lehigh Acres on Dec. 7.
Investigators learned that Carmen Melendez purchased a prong collar and placed it on her dog in an attempt to keep him from escaping the yard.
Melendez surrendered the animal to Lee County Domestic Animal Services.
Animal Services had difficulty removing the collar, which had become embedded in the dog’s neck causing multiple puncture wounds.
The veterinarian who examined the dog determined the injuries were consistent with neglect and could have been prevented.
A warrant was issued for Melendez’s arrest on Dec. 15.
Melendez, 31, was located and arrested Jan. 28. She is facing charges of aggravated animal cruelty.
