13 Puppies Trapped in 104-Degree Garage Without Food or Water Rescued

2 days ago 6

Authorities in Buckingham, Florida, are calling it a horrifying case of neglect. Over the weekend, Lee County deputies rescued 13 puppies from a stifling garage where they had been left with no food, no water, and no way to escape the brutal heat.

Neighbors on Maytree Circle in Fort Myers had grown concerned after hearing nonstop whining from inside a nearby home’s garage. They alerted law enforcement, fearing the animals were in distress due to Florida’s extreme temperatures. Their instincts were tragically correct.

When deputies arrived and investigated, they found the puppies inside a sweltering, unventilated garage, coated in filth. There was no air conditioning, no food or water, and the recorded temperature inside reached 104 degrees. Some of the puppies were visibly suffering from the effects of the heat.

“This act of neglect is truly disheartening,” said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. “Assuming responsibility for an animal requires a full commitment to its care and well-being. We will ALWAYS protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

Ayana Lee Constantine, 37, arrived at the home during the investigation. She was immediately arrested and charged with animal neglect, then taken to the Lee County Jail. She has since been released on bond.

In addition to the 13 puppies, deputies also found two adult female dogs inside the home. All of the animals were transferred to the care of the Lee County Department of Animal Services. One of the puppies, who appeared to have an injured leg, was brought to Gulf Coast Humane Society for further medical attention and is now in stable condition.

The sheriff’s department praised local residents for speaking up and emphasized that quick action from the community likely prevented a tragic outcome.