3 dogs found neglected, 2 dead - Fort Myers, FL

Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010

County: Lee

Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Frances Danelle Rochford

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

A North Fort Myers woman was arrested after investigators say she neglected to give her dogs food and water.

Neighbors watched as three pit bulls sat for hours in scorching heat with no food and water outside a North Fort Myers home.

"They had the chain on the rope to the brick so they let it out in the yard and it didn't escape," said neighbor Rose Johns.

Lee County Sheriff's deputies attempted to rescue the three dogs in February from Frances Rochford's home.

One was saved, another found dead, while the third had to be put down.

"There was water and electricity to the house," said Lee County Animal Services Director Ria Brown. "There is no need to not provide good food and water."

Family members tell investigators the 34-year-old barely cared for the dogs.

"She told me she put peroxide around the dog and she would take care of the dog but evidently she did not," said Traci Rochford, a family member.

It took 3 months for investigators to find Rochford and arrest her. She was finally arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.

The house the Rochfords lived in now sits empty.

Neighbors say everyone who lived there moved out last month and no one has been back since.

Neighbors who watched the dogs suffer say they are glad the family is gone.

"I don't like to see an animal mistreated," said Johns.

Animal Services says the surviving dog found a new home.

If convicted, Rochford faces up to five years in prison.

Case Updates

On August 16, 2010 Frances Rochford was sentenced on one felony and two misdemeanor animal cruelty charges. Rochford received one year in jail, one year of house arrest, one year probation, and more than three thousand dollars in fines. In addition she must submit to DNA collection and following her incarceration must undergo random drug testing and mandatory psychiatric and anger management counseling. Once released from jail, she cannot be in the care, custody, or control and any animals or take part in any activities related to animals while on probation. The charges are related to an incident which took place February 24, 2010. Animal Control Officers arrived at a mobile home on McDaniel Drive in North Fort Myers where they found three canines belonging to Frances Rochford. One deceased three-month old puppy was under the mobile home surrounded by garbage and debris. Necropsy results indicated the puppy was emaciated and suffered from a severe parasite infestation and anemia. Two other canines were chained to metal stakes without shelter or food. The only water available was contaminated by mosquito larvae. One of the dogs had a 10 inch infected laceration around its neck. Lee County Domestic Animal Services requests anyone with information regarding animal cruelty, abuse or neglect to call (239) 533-7387.

Source: lee-county.com - Aug 18, 2010 Update posted on Oct 24, 2010 - 10:46PM

References

• « FL State Animal Cruelty Map
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