A 37-year-old Hobe Sound woman is in the Martin County Jail facing multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty after telling investigators she buried at least four cats alive in her yard because she believed they were demons. Deputies and animal services officers responded to the Hobe Sound Mobile Home Park residence last week and dug up the property. Two cats were pulled from the ground alive. Two were found dead.
Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek addressed the case directly, saying, “You don’t treat an animal that way and expect to get away with it.” The investigation is ongoing, and Chavez remains booked on the cruelty counts.
For Suncoast pet owners, the case is a reminder that every county in our region has an animal services line where abuse can be reported, often anonymously. Neighbor tips are how many of these investigations begin. If you witness animal cruelty in Sarasota, Manatee, or any surrounding county, contact local animal services or the non-emergency sheriff’s line. Have you ever had to report animal mistreatment in your neighborhood? Tell us what happened.
