ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Two Florida men have been arrested after investigators say they intentionally abandoned 23 dogs along a roadside in St. Johns County, leaving three of the animals dead.
According to the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on May 4, 2026, when deputies responded to the intersection of U.S. 1 and County Road 204 after reports of numerous dogs abandoned along the roadway.
Property Crimes detectives determined that 32-year-old Austin Moore removed 23 dogs from his mother’s home in Palm Coast before driving to St. Johns County. Investigators said 23-year-old Anthony Dunham followed Moore in a second vehicle.
Authorities allege the two men intentionally released and abandoned the dogs on the side of the road.
As a result, three of the dogs died. The remaining 20 dogs were rescued and transported to local animal hospitals for treatment.
During the investigation, St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office intelligence analysts identified a suspect vehicle, which led detectives from St. Johns and Flagler counties to a Palm Coast residence owned by 48-year-old Carolyn Loveman.
Investigators discovered dozens of additional dogs at the home.
Loveman was arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in May and charged with one count of felony aggravated animal cruelty and 31 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
In total, authorities removed 51 dogs from the Palm Coast residence. Combined with the 23 dogs abandoned in St. Johns County, investigators rescued 74 dogs during the joint investigation.
Sheriff Rob Hardwick praised the collaborative effort between agencies.
“We will not tolerate any degree of animal abuse or neglect in St. Johns County,” Hardwick said. “We are able to hold these suspects fully accountable through hard work and strong law enforcement partnerships. With the dedication of SJSO and FCSO teams, and the help of good Samaritans, the dogs are safe and receiving the care they deserve.”
Moore and Dunham were arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and each face three counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and 20 counts of Animal Neglect.