Florida woman, Frances Terry Evans, arrested after leaving U-Haul full of animals behind a Publix
A U-Haul containing dozens of animals was left abandoned behind a Spring Hill, FL Publix grocery store Tuesday, which because of the extreme heat in the truck, resulted in some 39 cats being euthanized, according to a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office news release today.
Frances Terry Evans
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According to sheriff’s officials, deputies and Animal Services Officers arrived on the scene only to hear the animals in distress inside the truck. Upon opening the door to the U-Haul, officers found “numerous” animals inside plastic containers, similar to Tupperware containers, were located inside. The animal count was 50 cats and three dogs.
Deputies described the temperature inside the truck to be “extremely hot”.
Arrested was Frances Terry Evans, 52. Pasco Code Enforcement Officials already had an open case on Evans regarding animal hoarding.
Officials believe Evans was trying to hide the animals.
According to a WTSP.com report, Hernando County Animal Services Managing Veterinarian Dr. Lisa Centonze and her staff worked late into the day to evaluate all 50 cats and determined they all had health conditions ranging from flea and ear mite infestations, ocular discharge and signs of respiratory infections. Most were not well socialized. Unfortunately, 39 cats were humanely euthanized.
Evans was issued one citation for 53 counts of Animal Abandonment. The fine for this is $500 per count, totaling $26,500. After conferring with the State Attorney’s Office, a warrant has been obtained for 53 counts of Animal Cruelty, with a total bond of $26,500.
