UPDATE (May 6, 2026): It is with deep sadness that HCSO shared the dog involved in the April 30, 2026, animal cruelty case has passed away.
Despite the extensive efforts of the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and veterinary staff, the dog could not be saved.
“This is a deeply upsetting case that has impacted our entire community,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “What this innocent animal endured was cruel, violent, and unacceptable. I am also grateful to everyone at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and the veterinary staff who did everything they could to care for this dog and give him a chance to recover.”
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a woman accused of repeatedly abusing a puppy, following an incident captured on county surveillance cameras.
Sheriff Chad Chronister said the incident occurred last Thursday around 8 p.m., when a Real Time Crime Center operator observed disturbing behavior on Crime cameras near 127th Avenue and 11th Street.
According to the sheriff, the operator saw a woman, identified as Imania Davis, carrying a small puppy across the street before throwing it to the ground. The puppy ran back toward the woman, at which point she kicked the animal multiple times. Authorities said the woman then picked up the dog again and threw it a second time, sending it approximately 10 feet.
The puppy suffered a broken leg.
The operator immediately notified dispatch, and deputies responded to the scene and arrested Davis. She faces six counts of aggravated animal cruelty and is being held on a $75,000 bond.
Deputies transported the injured dog to an emergency veterinary facility, where it underwent surgery. The one-year-old male Maltese is now recovering at the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center and is expected to be placed up for adoption once fully healed.
Investigators said ownership of the puppy has not been established, and it may have been a stray in the area.
During the press conference, Chronister emphasized that the dog showed no signs of aggression and appeared to be seeking attention. He also noted the suspect has a prior history of violent behavior, including arrests for battery.
Authorities said multiple people were present in the area, described as a busy mobile home park, but no bystanders intervened or called law enforcement. Instead, the incident was reported by a sheriff’s office operator monitoring the camera system, which is visible in the area and intended to deter crime.
“This is a vulnerable animal that could not defend itself,” Chronister said, adding that cases involving animals, children, or the elderly are especially concerning due to their vulnerability.
Officials credited the Real Time Crime Center operator for taking immediate action, which led to the dog’s rescue and the suspect’s arrest.
The investigation remains ongoing.