Animal Cruelty Arrest in DeSoto County
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office reports that a woman has been arrested on a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty after investigators discovered a severely neglected cat in her care.
Deputies responded in March after a local veterinary clinic reported a disturbing call from Crystal Conley, who had asked how to amputate her cat’s leg at home. When Agricultural Deputy Ernie Manriquez arrived at Conley’s residence, he found an emaciated cat—later named Daisy—suffering from an exposed bone injury that had gone untreated for weeks.
Daisy was rescued by DeSoto County Animal Control and taken to Fur-Ever Friends Animal Hospital, where staff determined she was battling infection, anemia, and would have died without intervention. After weeks of treatment, Daisy underwent a successful amputation and is now recovering at Love Life Animal Sanctuary.
Investigators say Conley refused to surrender Daisy for proper treatment despite being advised to do so. A warrant was issued, and she was recently arrested.
Sheriff Potter commended the joint efforts of deputies, animal control, and veterinary staff, stressing that financial hardship is not an excuse for animal neglect. Residents are urged to report animal cruelty to DeSoto County Animal Control at (863) 993-4855 or the Sheriff’s Office at (863) 993-4700.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DESOTO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
