The mother of a Vero Beach woman charged three weeks ago with neglecting her two dogs also has been accused of mistreating the animals. But this wasn't the first time Lizzie Mae Jones has been charged with mishandling dogs.
Jones, 53, of the 4200 block of 32nd Avenue, was arrested on Aug 22 and charged with two counts each of animal cruelty and unlawful confinement of an animal. Her daughter, Murray "Tan" Thomas, 35, was arrested July 31 on the same charges. Both have posted a $4,000 bond.
The recent charges stem from a complaint of animal neglect of Thomas' two dogs, a light brown lab mix named Dollar and a black chow mix named Baby. County Animal Control Officer Jerry Dixon investigated the complaint on June 15 and alleged he found both dogs chained up in the back of Jones' home without food, water or adequate shelter from the weather.
After they were confiscated, a veterinarian reported both dogs had an infestation of parasites, infections and were malnourished, according to the complaint affidavit. The ownership of both dogs was eventually turned over to the Humane Society of Vero Beach and Indian River County.
Baby had to be euthanized, but Dollar continues to try to recover from several medical conditions, according to officials.
Dixon said Thomas was arrested first because she owned the dogs. However, the State Attorney's Office later filed charges against Jones because Thomas and the dogs lived at her home, Dixon said.
"Anyone that lives in the house shares in the responsibility of caring for the animals," said Dixon, adding Jones also stated she was accountable for the pets during the relinquishment process. "They were both told charges would be up to the State Attorney's Office. There is always the possibility (of charges.)"
The arrest is only one of several animal neglect charges Jones has faced in recent years.
In 2001, Jones was arrested and charged with unlawful confinement of a yellow chow mix named Sambo. A tip led Animal Control officers to Jones' home on June 29, 2001. They reportedly found Sambo chained to a tree stump with only about 2 feet of mobility, according to the complaint affidavit.
The dog also didn't have shelter and wasn't able to reach the water dish, the affidavit stated.
Jones eventually pleaded no contest to the first-degree misdemeanor charge. Adjudication of guilt was withheld in the case and she was sentenced to 12 months' probation.
Prior to the 2001 arrest, court records show Jones was cited for failing to keep a dog harnessed in 1996 and failing to keep a dog under restraint in 1994. She paid a fine for both offenses, according to court documents. Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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