PANAMA CITY, Fla. – A former Bay County Animal Control employee has been arrested after witnesses accused him of abusing animals in the agency’s care, including striking dogs with a catch pole and mistreating a kitten as it was being euthanized, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
Cameron Tyler Howard, 36, was booked into the Bay County Jail at 12:02 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. He faces two counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
The investigation began after Animal Control management received an anonymous report accusing Howard of abusing and torturing animals and bragging about his conduct.
Bay County Animal Control and county administrators began an internal investigation and contacted the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators interviewed Animal Control employees and obtained sworn, recorded statements from multiple witnesses.
One of the incidents under investigation occurred Sept. 3 and involved a small kitten being euthanized.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a witness assisting with the procedure said a needle was inserted into the kitten’s heart to administer euthanasia medication. The witness reported seeing the needle move with the animal’s heartbeat.
While the kitten was still alive, Howard allegedly inserted another needle and syringe into its stomach and withdrew fluid, according to the witness. Howard then allegedly allowed the fluid to spill onto the table before injecting it back into the kitten.
The witness told investigators that when Howard was questioned about what he was doing, he laughed and said he did not know why he had done it.
According to the Sheriff’s Office account, the witness said the medication being used during the procedure could leave the animal capable of experiencing pain despite being unable to physically react.
Investigators also examined an incident reported to have occurred in May or June involving a dog scheduled to be euthanized.
The dog escaped from the euthanasia room as employees attempted to restrain it. A witness told investigators she was trying to catch the dog with a catch pole when Howard approached, raised his own catch pole over his head and struck the dog in the spine.
The dog collapsed, temporarily appeared paralyzed and began having a seizure, according to the witness. Authorities said another Animal Control employee reportedly witnessed the incident.
A third incident was reported approximately two weeks before Howard’s arrest. A witness said Howard became angry with a dog being restrained by a catch pole in the euthanasia room.
Howard allegedly raised the pole over his head while the dog remained attached and swung the animal over his shoulder and onto the ground. The dog appeared stunned afterward, according to the witness.
Investigators were also told of other instances over the years in which Howard allegedly lost his temper and handled animals in an inhumane manner.
Howard’s employment with Bay County was terminated Tuesday afternoon, according to County Manager Joel Schubert. He was later located at his residence, arrested and transported to the Bay County Jail.
“This former employee’s actions were deeply disturbing and inconsistent with the standards expected of any county employee, particularly one entrusted with animal care,” Schubert said.
Sheriff Tommy Ford called the allegations “extremely disturbing” and said animals in the county’s care should be treated with compassion and dignity.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is continuing.