A woman who resided in Ocklawaha at the time of the initial investigation has been extradited to Marion County to face two felony animal cruelty charges and three misdemeanor abandonment charges. Investigators say three dogs were abandoned at her residence, two of which were later found dead.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Shan’Tayia Brenae Edwards was returned to Marion County on February 17, 2026, from Glynn County, Georgia. She is charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony, and three counts of animal abandonment, a misdemeanor.
The charges stem from a November 6, 2025 investigation at a home in the 12380 block of SE 130th Court in Ocklawaha. Deputies responded to assist Marion County Animal Services with the execution of a search and seizure warrant.
During the operation, deputies located two deceased dogs and one surviving dog, later identified as “Olaf.” Investigators reported the animals were confined in crates inside a makeshift shed or trailer structure on the property. A second deceased dog was also discovered tethered in the backyard.
Animal Services took custody of the dogs. The two deceased animals were sent for necropsy to the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. According to the forensic findings, both dogs were severely emaciated, with an absence of subcutaneous and internal fat. Neither had food in their stomachs at the time of death, and both tested positive for hookworm infections. One of the dogs was in an advanced state of decomposition. The cause of death for one dog was listed as complications of emaciation.
Olaf, the surviving dog, was evaluated by a veterinarian and given a body condition score of 5 out of 9, indicating adequate weight. However, the dog tested positive for heartworms, microfilaria, and hookworms, and was noted to have an unthrifty coat and localized hair loss.
Investigators determined Edwards was the owner of all three dogs based on animal control records and prior contact at the residence. According to the report, Animal Services had previously responded to the property in September 2025 regarding dogs being kept in a crate and tethered outside. During that contact, Edwards reportedly claimed ownership and was educated on proper animal care.
Authorities said Edwards left for Georgia in November 2025 for a job interview and did not return. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to contact her, a warrant was issued for her arrest.
On February 2, 2026, the Glynn County Police Department located Edwards while she was working at a Waffle House in Georgia and took her into custody without incident.
She was transported back to Marion County and booked into the Marion County Jail. Bond was set at $4,000 on the aggravated animal cruelty charges and $3,000 on the abandonment charges.
The case remains pending in Marion County Court.
