A welfare check request led deputies to arrest a Palatka mother after they discovered her teenage son and seven dogs living in deplorable conditions while she was on a two-week trip to Las Vegas.
On Monday evening, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to a request from an out-of-state family member to check on the welfare of a teenager living at a home on Songbird Lane. Deputies initially found an adult outside the home who said he was “cleaning” before 37-year-old Jessica Copeland returned from vacation. The teen said everything was fine, and deputies had no grounds to enter the residence.
Later that night, a second family member contacted deputies and provided video footage of dogs in distress. The video, reviewed with deputies in person, showed three severely emaciated dogs and raised concerns about the home lacking running water and food.
Deputies returned to the residence with the Sheriff’s Office Agriculture Detective. The adult from earlier had left, but the teen allowed officers inside. They discovered filth throughout the home, including thick layers of animal feces, garbage, and seven dogs without adequate food or water. Two dogs were locked in a bedroom covered in approximately four inches of feces, and one severely malnourished dog was confined to a cage. The remaining dogs were loose in the living room, surrounded by waste and with only insect-filled water.
The teen told deputies the conditions had existed “for years” and that Copeland left on July 21 for her Las Vegas birthday vacation. He said various individuals stopped by during her absence to bring him food.
Around 2 a.m. Tuesday, while deputies and animal control officers were still on the scene, Copeland returned home and was immediately taken into custody.
Jessica Copeland was charged with one count of child neglect, three counts of felony animal neglect, and four counts of misdemeanor animal neglect. She is being held at the Putnam County Jail on a $36,000 bond.
The seven dogs were surrendered to Putnam County Animal Services. Once rehabilitated, the dogs will be made available for adoption. Animal Services is requesting donations of linens, pet food, collars, leashes, and other supplies to support the increased animal intake. Those wishing to help can contact Deputy County Administrator Julianne Young at julianne.young@putnam-fl.gov.
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