- Florida, USA -
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36-year-old SHELTON CORNELIUS OWENS JR (pictured).
According to the arrest report obtained by Voice For Us, on June 25, 2024, a deputy responded to a property on 6722 W Smith Road in Panama City to investigate an animal complaint call.
Upon arrival, the deputy saw a “mistreated puppy” who was “chained to a tree outside of the residence.” The deputy reported that the puppy appeared to be very skittish and did not have any available food or water. Additionally, the deputy noticed minor injuries on the puppy's ears which appeared to be from the restraints.
The deputy knocked on the door and was able to make contact with OWENS.
OWENS told the deputy he had three dogs; a 6-month-old puppy whom the deputy saw chained outside, and two Pitbulls.
The deputy and OWENS walked to the back of the residence and the deputy saw the two Pitbulls “laying chained up in a fenced enclosure.”
According to the report, the enclosure had a blue tarp which was ripped and worn and was not providing shade from the sun. There were two broken dog houses, empty bowls, and there was no sign of food or water.
Sadly, both Pitbulls were found lifeless.
OWENS was placed under arrest and he stated that he takes good care of his dogs and had no idea how this happened. He claimed he gave the dogs food and water every day.
OWENS took such good care of the dogs that he was “unable to provide a definite time as to when he last saw the dogs alive.”
The deputy later made contact with the complainant and learned that all three dogs never went inside the home and stayed chained outside the whole time. The complainant added they rarely saw OWENS checking on the dogs and estimated that happened roughly once or twice a month. According to the complainant, the tarp had been ripped and unusable for several months.
The report stated that the complainant had previously alerted Bay County Animal Control to the situation but no one responded. The complainant had been so concerned for the dogs’ well-being that they have given water to the dogs and have checked on them .
OWENS was transported to the Bay County Jail and booked on two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of animal cruelty.
On June 26, 2024, OWENS had his bond hearing and was given a pre-trial release bond. The judge set the condition to not have any animals.
OWENS is expected back in court on August 15, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
All Court appearances will be in the Bay County Courthouse on 300 East 4th Street in Panama City.
I truly apologize for not having all the information I wanted to give you on the Voiceless Victims but I have been sitting on this story for a week waiting for responses. I will continue to send out emails and if someone gets back to me, I will post an update.
I took the liberty of naming the deceased furvictims Blossom and Dew for the tribute image.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the arrest report obtained by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should such sources report an update.
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.
OWENS’ mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Bay County Sheriff’s Office
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Another loser who abuses & murders dogs. These precious souls deserved so much better. RIP INNOCENT SOULS