(October 2017) Florida: Nakayla Sanabria charged after emaciated dog found in home, police say

FLORIDA -- Appalling images of a starved dog have led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Cocoa woman.

Nakayla Sanabria told police she was out of money and could not afford to feed three dogs, including Sampson, who was in desperate condition when found.

"I saw these poor animals. They had knocked the trash cans over, and they were just skin hanging on bones," neighbor Deborah Burke said.

Burke, of Amherst Court in Cocoa, called Animal Services.

She said nothing was done until an alarm company salesman going door-to-door walked up to her house and saw what was going on inside.

A police report said Sampson was suffering from prolonged malnutrition, or a starved state.

The report said he tested for the lowest possible level of emaciation compatible with life.

"The dog was near death and suffering because it was not cared for. At that point, you call someone for help," Yvonne Martinez of the Cocoa Police Department said.

A veterinarian saved him, but just barely. The investigation began last week and ended with Sanabria’s arrest Wednesday for aggravated animal cruelty.

"I am so glad they have the dogs, because no animal should have to live like that," Burke said.

Sampson is now recovering with a new owner; the other two dogs, which were better off, are also in permanent homes.

 

 

EARLIER:

A Cocoa woman was charged with animal cruelty after police found a severely malnourished dog at her home last week, according to her affidavit.

Nakayla Sanabria, 28, of the 1200 block of Amherst Court, was taken into custody Wednesday, police said. She was being held at the Brevard County Detention Center in Sharpes in lieu of $2,000 bail, News 6 partner Florida Today reported.

On Sept. 26, a home security representative making door-to-door solicits called police after he saw the dog, named Sampson, through a window at Sanabria's home, the affidavit states. Sampson appeared emaciated, the salesman told police, and officers who responded to the home agreed.

Police entered the home when Sanabria returned. Inside, they said they found dog waste on the floor and piles of trash. Officers turned the dog over to Brevard County Animal Control.

With his rib cage exposed and significant muscle loss, a vet for Animal Control said Sampson was one of the worst cases of neglect he had ever seen.

In her interview with police, Sanabria [claimed] she had taken in Sampson and two other dogs two months ago after the dog's previous owner was evicted from a home. She [claimed] she fed the dogs three times a day, according to her affidavit, and that Sampson has had the same appearance since she first took him into her home

ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Nakayla Mercedes Sanabria
Date:10/04/2017
Time: 1:18 PM
Arresting Agency: Cocoa Police Department
Arrest County: Brevard County, Florida
Arrest Age: 28
Gender: Female
Race: Asian or Pacific Islander
Birthdate: 07/28/1989
Block: 1200 Amherst Ct
City: Cocoa, Florida 32922
Height: 5'05"
Weight: 260 lbs
Charge
#1 Animal Cruelty-Felony-Cause Cruel Death Pain & Suffering
BOND: $2000

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Nakayla seems pretty adept at getting people to give her money based on her plea of "I'm a single mother. Send me money!"

She managed to collect $500 on a GoFundMe she created on July 26, 2015.

A year later, on March 26, 2016, she created another GoFundMe page saying "Single mom in need of a car". She didn't even bother to write a sob story narrative this time and yet, Christoper Moore gave her $200 twice and then an anonymous person gave her another $200. Hmm. Go back and look at the earlier GoFundMe and "anonymous" gave her, in separate amounts, $50, $140, $50, $150 and $100. I'm seeing a pattern.

GoFundMe: single mom in need of help
Created July 26, 2015
Nakayla Sanabria
  COCOA, FL
$500 of $500 goal
Raised by 6 people in 27 months
my name is nakayla i am a single mother of two kids, i was recently just let go from work, my daughter is 11 months and my son is 2 years old, its been very hard for me i have done everthing i can for my kids i have saved up barly enough money for my bills. im still short, i have a job lined up for me in a matter of a few weeks but im at the deadline and nobody is willing to wait. my car is about to get repoed my lights are about to get shut off, i have never been the type of person to ask for help but this time i need it. if any one cn help my family i am more then willing to give phones numbers to provied proof that my car is about to get repoed.with out my car i wont be able to get to work, with out the new job i will lose more then what i know. please can anyone help my family. Help spread the word!

GoFundMe: Single mom in need of car
Created March 26, 2016
Nakayla Sanabria
  COCOA, FL
$600 of $700 goal
Raised by 3 people in 19 months
Single mom in need of help for a car
Help spread the word!

VIDEO NEWS CLIP:

(WESH - Oct 4, 2017)

(October 2017) Illinois: "Joey got mauled by a pit bull at his favorite park last week. It was hands down the most horrific and violent thing I have ever witnessed between dogs and I honestly can't believe he lived"

ILLINOIS -- Stephanie Maurie Salisbury posted on Facebook October 31 at 7:01pm · Geneva, IL ·

No trick or treating for us tonight! Instead I'll be editing and giving my sweet little boy lots and lots of cuddles.

For my friends and family who don't know, Joey got mauled by a pit bull at his favorite park last week. It was hands down the most horrific and violent thing I have ever witnessed between dogs and I honestly can't believe he lived.

I am so proud that our friendly pups are so well behaved off leash, like all dogs that frequent this park, and while they were having fun playing catch, he saw another dog in the distance, also off leash, and ran up to it thinking it was one of his buddies.

The next thing I know he's in the pit's mouth being torn apart like a rag doll. The owner did NOTHING, and I had to run for what felt like forever, and separate the dogs myself. Joey's body was almost completely shredded apart. 

Long story short, I helped the idiotic woman leash her dog, asked the woman 4 TIMES for her name and finally she gave it to me, called the cops, sped to the emergency vet, handled the entire thing myself and never got an apology. They walked away scot-free because she is lying to the cops and told them that her dog was leashed, and I have no idea how to prove that it wasn't.

We are thanking God every night since that all of the damage was just skin wounds and Joey's organs, bones, face, and eyes are fine, but I have never seen this many stitches or smelled anything like this in my life. We are very traumatized and very upset.

So please, if you have a dog that you know is violent towards other dogs or children, please don't be like this woman and don't take your dog to a public park off leash. The whole thing could have been prevented by both parties, and I regret being so trusting of other people's dogs.

Thank you so much Heather Doonan Swader and 'Angie' for ruining dog walks for us forever, but most importantly lying to the cops and not taking any responsibility.

FACEBOOK COMMENT:
Regina Marie Becker Wells
November 1 · Edited
My son was attacked by a pit bull this summer and nearly died. I can’t type this without crying. 2 hr plastic emergency surgery to reconstruct his face. He had a hole in his forehead the dog bit a hole out of his head and 4 teeth went through his eyelid he almost lost his eye and life. His brother helped him. Both are in counseling for ptsd. I can’t type anymore without crying. One of the worst days of my life.

My chocolate lab was also attacked by a dog so my heart truly knows what you and your poor dog are going through right now. I’m so sorry and so glad he is alive hugs and prayers ????

 

 

 

 

  

  

(October 2017) Kansas: David Foley ignores town's BSL and gets two Pit Bulls; now whines that it's not fair

KANSAS -- A 14-year-old city ordinance is being called into question again after the city threatened to cite a local dentist because of his two pit bulls.

Dr. David Foley, of Andover, reached out to Eyewitness News Thursday about an incident that occurred at his office Tuesday.

Foley says Andover police officers came into his practice Tuesday morning to notify him that his two dogs are illegal within city limits and he must remove them from his home.

He says police also notified him of the ordinance violation prior to the Tuesday incident at his residence last week.

"I'm not one to break the law," said Foley. "But some laws need to be changed."

Eyewitness News spoke to Andover Mayor Ben Lawrence who says police were prompted to contact Foley after a neighbor complained about the two pit bulls.

According to the mayor, the ordinance banning pit bulls was passed about 14 years ago; Lawrence says it was one of the first pieces of legislation he signed when he took office.

 

 

According to the City of Andover's government website, the ordinance bans all bull terrier breeds and any dog which has the appearance and characteristics of being predominately bull terrier.

The fine for the citation is listed as no less than $500 and no more than $1,000. Once cited, the owner must go in front of a judge for a hearing.

"Topeka has passed their breed-neutral laws, Wichita has breed-neutral laws, why wouldn't Andover have breed-neutral laws?" said Foley.

 

 

Lawrence says the city has revisited the ordinance at least five times within the past five years. He says the city council does not desire to make a change.

Eyewitness News also spoke to Michael Keller, chief of the Andover Police Department about the ban. Keller says his officers followed up with the Foley family because of the complaint the department received.

Keller says his department does not actively seek out pit bulls within city limits and officers only respond when complaints are made.

The City of Andover says it does not wish to make a comment at this time.

VIDEO NEWS CLIP FROM KWCH:

(KWCH - Oct 5, 2017)

(October 2017) Texas: Six-year-old boy attacked by neighbor's Pit Bull. He sustained numerous serious injuries, including serious tissue, nerve damage, and multiple injuries to his face and skull

TEXAS -- Angel Hester-Simon posted on Facebook October 20, 2017 ·

Facebook friends and family I am truly soliciting prays today for one of our daycare children who was viciously attacked by a pit bull dog a few hours ago at home. My heart is very heavy at the moment!

Prayer warriors his Name is Zachary and please cover his mom, dad, sister and 9 year old brother who found him. It is not looking good! But we TRUST GOD!

 

 

Facebook group: Zachary's Road To Recovery
On Friday 10/20/17 our sweet 6 year old boy Zachary was attacked by a neighborhood dog while he played in our backyard. He sustained injuries to his head and neck including multiple lacerations and facial fractures.

The past 72 hours have been a roller coaster ride of events and emotions for our family.  Zachary has been so brave and inspiring through this entire experience.

In the days to come, he will have multiple surgeries and many obstacles to overcome.  This page is to help document his journey and keep everyone informed as his recovery progresses.

GoFundMe: Zachary's Recovery
Created October 24, 2017
Ahren Simmons
on behalf of Charles Simmons
  Medical
  HOUSTON, TX
$8,378 of $10.0k goal
Raised by 61 people

Zachary Simmons was brutally attacked by a neighbor's pit bull on Friday, October 20th.  He sustained numerous serious injuries, including serious tissue, nerve damage, and multiple injuries to his face and skull.

We still do not yet know the full extent of the injuries.  The doctors at Texas Children's hospital are working day and night to fully diagnose all of the injuries and develop a plan for treatment.

I am Ahren Simmons, Zachary's uncle (his father Ben's brother).  The funds will be used to help Zachary and family recover from this horrible tragedy.

Zachary's parents, Charles (Ben) Simmons and wife Crystal will be provided the funds to use as they see fit for Zachary's recovery, however long that may take.

I've set the inital goal at $1000 (gofundme's recommendation).

Please consider donating to help with the various expenses, not only relating to medical and psychological treatment, but also the costs associated with the family living at the hospital for weeks, and potential for loss of income during the long recovery period.

Unfortunately, the financial implication of an event like this can last for many, many years.

If you would like to help, but can't afford to donate, please contact me and I'll work with the family to find a way you can help!

 

(October 2017) Arizona: "Andy got attacked by a pit bull today while running with Mike"

ARIZONA -- Deborah Cartwright posted on Facebook October 9, 2017 ·

Andy got attacked by a pit bull today while running with Mike...his ear and neck bit...poor fella

Deborah Cartwright, October 12 ·
Andy after surgery...attacked by a pit bull...deep punctures...drain holes now till next week

"this pit bull comes flying over the wall and goes after Annabelle first because she was still down there and I grabbed the pit bull and threw her off of Annabel and then she grabbed Andy by the neck and put a hole in his scruff and then grabbed him by the ear - I had a fight with the pit bull to let go of Andy and then she finally did and we took off running.

Two days later Andy's scruff was all puss-ie and draining blood and stinky - so took him to the vet and when they shaved his hair down it was all infected. So they opened him up and cleaned it out and put a drain tube in. He's doing good now! We go back next week so they can remove the drain tube. Annabelle was also treated for a minor injury. Both are doing a lot better now!"

(October 2017) New Zealand: "Our beautiful dog Girl was attacked by a pit bull and the bite managed to fracture her bone"

NEW ZEALAND -- Old Coach Oasis Glamping added 3 new photos to Facebook.
October 26 at 7:11pm ·

Our beautiful dog Girl was attacked by a pit bull and the bite managed to fracture her bone. 6 weeks of bandages, splints and staying dry. Just time to heal and get rid of any infection and fingers crossed no surgery will be needed. We are hoping each day she will improve and be back to her happy self.

(October 2017) Ohio: Woman asks for prayers after her daughter is bitten in the face by a Pit Bull

OHIO -- Kimberly Allen Boughton is with Moriah Howard.
Posted on Facebook October 29, 2017 ·

Please pray for my daughter Moriah Howard. She was severely bitten in the face by a Pit Bull while bathing it at her place of employment at a pet supply and grooming store [petsmart]. She required 10 stitches to her lip from the bite.

She could use your prayers, well wishes and words of encouragement as she is very emotional today. She is such a trooper though, she wants to continue grooming dogs as she has such a passion for animals. She also wants to finally buy her own car when she gets enough saved 😊

She is such a beautiful young lady, inside and out. Her laugh is contagious and her personality is bubbly. She is so caring and I do not want this incident to take away her beautiful spirit and love of animals.

Please help me shower her with love, encouragement and kind words. Pray for her well being and quick pain free recovery.

(October 2017) Arkansas: Family slits Pit Bull's throat after it attacks everyone, including their elderly Golden Retriever, which had already been attacked by it once before

ARKANSAS -- David S. Waters added 2 new photos to Facebook.
October 13, 2017 · Redfield, AR ·
⚠️ EXPLICIT ⚠️

Last night, my pit bull attacked my golden retriever for the second time.

Although Pumpkin (Golden-retriever), will be okay now. Lavender (Pit-Bull) would not let go of her and it resulted in someone having to cut her throat to get her to release. Right after she went after us humans. 

Although she survived, she is okay but we do have to put her down today.

I wanted to believe that she wasn’t a vicious, cruel, and dangerous dog but after this unexpected attack I can no longer believe that. We treated her correctly, we didn’t starve her, we didn’t abuse her. We took advice from experts, animal control, vets, and we still couldn’t control this specific Red-nose pit bull.

It’s been very hectic since last night, I posted some on Snapchat and I truly appreciate your remorse. May god bless you all!

Emma Julianna - We don't always know why dogs do what they do, but I believe it's usually with good reason. Please don't turn your back on your own dog.

David S. Waters - Yes I completely understand it wasn’t up to me to decide, to calm down lavender we had to call animal control and they didn’t give us an option since this is her 3rd time attacking. Once with a previous owner, 2 with us. I would of not decided to do that if i had the option.

David S. Waters - My 12 year old golden retriever didn’t deserve the beating she got twice in the last 6 months. She’s old and can barely walk, doesn’t pick a fight. Always stays away from lavender. It was just the dog I know it’s not all pits as we discussed before [apologist]. This one ended up not being a good one. 2 unexpected attacks in 6 months is not normal.

Denny Waters - Lavender is not a cruel dog but she acted by her instinct.. unfortunately she attacked pumpkin and we don t accept it cuz she is our family.. so lavender must go

Stephanie Stevens - Im so sorry to hear that.. has she tasted blood before? Maybe she attacked another that has trespassed in the yard or something? I've heard once some animals get the taste of blood, they turn that way. There's no turning back. Pray for a quick recovery for you're other dog though. 😔

David S. Waters - She attacked pumpkin last night once, smelled blood and came back for more. Tore her up. Then she went after my little brother. (Little but 16) someway somehow get her off of him and into the garage and we called the police she was going crazy she looked/ acted possessed.

Stephanie Stevens - It sounds definitely like the taste of blood. Its not all pits or dogs in general but blood will make them go crazy. As much as I hate to see a beautiful pit get put down, it probably would've been your only option even if you weren't forced. She wouldn't have stopped trying to get more. Sorry to hear about your dogs.

 

 

(October 2017) Illinois: Cairn Terrier mix named Oliver was just adopted in June. Now he's dead; another victim of a deadly Pit Bull attack

ILLINOIS -- Carol Kovacik added 3 new photos to Facebook October 13, 2017 ·

Today a terrible thing happened. My little buddy Oliver was attacked by a pit bull who was off leash. The dog did such extensive damage to Oliver and he was in such terrible pain that surgery would not have saved him.

The decision to have him put to sleep was the only one I could make even though it broke my heart to make this call. If you have a pet please be responsible and keep your pet contained in a yard or on a leash especially if it is a large powerful animal.

At least you are no longer suffering Oliver, but know that I loved you and will miss you.

 

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Carol Kovacik posted to Facebook June 24, 2017 ·

Recently adopted this cutie. His name is Oliver and he is between 5-7 years old. He likes people and has been a good boy.

Lisa Sequens - Aww he is very cute! What kind of dog is he??

Linda Kovacik Bodem - Cairn terrier mix