A Florida woman was apprehended after a dog’s mouth was discovered taped shut.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, 57-year-old Tammy Annette Roosa of Auburndale faces multiple criminal charges following an investigation that discovered a dog with its muzzle taped shut and numerous other animals living in what authorities described as hazardous conditions.
The investigation began after sheriff’s investigators saw a photo circulating on Facebook of a dog with duct tape wrapped around its muzzle.
Detectives connected the photograph to a woman who told them she discovered the puppy beneath a wheelchair ramp and noted it was hyperventilating. She and her son took off the tape, allowing the dog to breathe normally.
Detectives combed the neighborhood and found the dog’s owner, Roosa, at a home on Chipman Lane in Auburndale.
According to the sheriff’s office, Roosa acknowledged taping the dog’s muzzle shut the night before because she claimed the dog attempted to bite her. Investigators stated that she displayed no remorse and did not believe her acts were wrong.
The dog, Cooper, was surrendered to authorities and taken to Polk County Animal Control for evaluation. Veterinarians discovered scars consistent with duct tape and concluded the dog was malnourished. The examination also discovered markings on Cooper’s neck, indicating that he had been tied up for an extended amount of time.
Authorities said Roosa resisted arrest but was eventually apprehended. Deputies discovered enormous amounts of rubbish, insects, and a strong odor of excrement and urine while removing her handbag from inside her recreational van, as she requested.
Investigators discovered seven cats, three fish, two lovebirds, two finches, and a duck inside the RV. The animals were removed and transported to Animal Control for treatment and evaluation.
Polk County Fire Rescue detected ammonia levels inside the RV at 100 parts per million, which authorities described as high and capable of causing persistent respiratory difficulties and eye irritation.
Members of the Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes Unit later investigated the property and discovered mountains of waste, discarded home belongings, and decomposing materials in waist-high grass. Investigators discovered leaking septic lines, raw sewage, and a huge quantity of flies and mosquitoes.
Roosa was taken into Polk County Jail and charged with severe animal cruelty, animal maltreatment, resisting an officer without violence, operating an unpermitted landfill, and several charges of maintaining a health hazard.
Sheriff Grady Judd stated that all of the animals are expected to recover and complimented Animal Control personnel for caring for them after their rescue.
“Cooper the dog had been treated horribly, but I am happy to report that some good things have come out of this ordeal. Cooper is getting wonderful treatment and care by the great staff at Animal Control, and all of his little animal friends have been freed from their horrible living conditions as well. All of the animals are expected to fully recover. Meanwhile, Tammy Roosa is facing an abundance of criminal charges,” Judd said in a statement, adding in a comment, “As a reminder, when we seize animals during an animal cruelty investigation it can often take a month or several months for the animals to be available for adoption so PLEASE DO NOT inundate Polk County Animal Control with phone calls about Cooper or the cats we are rehabilitating. Thank you!”
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