St. Petersburg police arrested 37-year-old Yasha Lashay Davis on August 20, 2025, in connection with the death of her dog caused by fireworks earlier this summer.
According to the arrest affidavit, Davis owned a 5-year-old pit bull terrier that had been the subject of repeated investigations by Pinellas County Animal Control dating back to September 2024. Records show 11 civil citations were issued for dogs running loose in her care due to an unsecured yard.
On July 3, 2025, family members at Davis’ residence on 8th Avenue South were setting off fireworks. Witnesses reported Davis commented that her dog chased fireworks as if they were toys, but made no effort to restrain it. Davis later told investigators she knew the dog displayed this behavior and allowed it to run freely in the yard and the surrounding area.
Investigators from the St. Petersburg Police Department say the dog caught a firework in its mouth, which exploded and killed the animal. The affidavit states the death was the result of Davis’ failure to act to secure her dog despite knowing the risk.
Davis was charged under Florida Statute 828.12(2), felony animal cruelty. She was booked into the Pinellas County Jail with a bond set at $5,000.