A 36-year-old St. Petersburg man was arrested on an animal cruelty charge Thursday, October 1, 2026, after deputies rescued a dog from a locked vehicle at a beach access park at 4700 Gulf Boulevard.
According to a Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office arrest affidavit, a civilian flagged down a community policing deputy at approximately 3:20 p.m. to report the dog inside the vehicle.
The deputy found the vehicle turned off, with no air conditioning running and all windows completely closed. The outside temperature was approximately 89 degrees. The dog was in the vehicle’s trunk area with no drinking water available, according to the affidavit.
Deputies attempted to locate the vehicle’s registered owner. After approximately 20 minutes, they determined entry was necessary to prevent further harm to the dog. Deputies broke the driver’s-side window and removed the animal.
The affidavit states the vehicle’s interior was hot and the dog was visibly panting. Once removed, the dog immediately drank approximately three cups of water.
The owner, identified as Nicolas Erik Francois Ligonnet, returned to the vehicle at approximately 3:54 p.m. Deputies said he admitted knowingly leaving the dog inside while the vehicle was turned off.
Ligonnet was arrested on a first-degree misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals. The arrest affidavit lists a $500 bond.
