An Immokalee woman has been arrested on a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty after a months-long investigation by the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) revealed that her dog died under extreme neglect.
Kedine AnnMarie Trudeau, 42, was taken into custody Friday following a CCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance probe into the May 6 death of her 8-year-old terrier-beagle mix, Dexter.
According to investigators, a witness found Dexter dead in a small outdoor crate at Trudeau’s residence, with his head wedged between the crate’s door and frame as he attempted to reach a water bowl placed just outside. The crate was positioned in direct sunlight with no shade or water provided.
Trudeau admitted to placing Dexter in the crate around 9 a.m. and said she intended to check on him later. At 3:25 p.m., she was informed by a witness that Dexter had died.
A necropsy performed by Dr. John Morton, chief medical officer for Patty Baker Humane Society Naples, determined that Dexter likely died from acute dehydration or heat stroke. The outdoor temperature that day reached 88 degrees, but black crates exposed to sunlight can reach up to 115 degrees inside.
Further investigation revealed that Dexter was often confined for extended periods in the same conditions. Detectives concluded that the dog suffered and ultimately died while trying to escape the crate due to lack of shelter and water.
Trudeau has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty and was booked into the Collier County Jail.
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