The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has arrested two additional suspects in connection with a multi-agency animal cruelty investigation that began in May. The arrests involve 32-year-old Austin Moore and 23-year-old Anthony Dunham, who are accused of abandoning 23 Chihuahuas along a roadside in St. Augustine.
According to law enforcement, Moore removed the dogs from the Palm Coast residence of his mother, 48-year-old Carolyn Loveman. He drove the animals to St. Johns County, where Dunham allegedly assisted in the dumping. The abandonment resulted in the deaths of three of the dogs.
Loveman was previously arrested following a search of her home on May 18. Deputies from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant and seized 51 dogs from the property. She faces one count of felony aggravated animal cruelty and 31 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
Moore and Dunham were taken into custody by the Flagler County Sheriff's Office. Both men are charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 20 counts of animal neglect. The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office announced the new arrests on Wednesday.
Sheriff Robert Hardicl stated that the department does not tolerate animal abuse or neglect. He credited the collaboration between the St. Johns and Flagler County Sheriff's offices, along with assistance from local residents, for ensuring the safety of the remaining animals.
