Florida Couple Arrested After Emaciated Dog Found With Visible Bones and Open Sores

A Welfare Check Reveals the Worst

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department arrested two suspects on felony aggravated animal cruelty charges after police discovered a dog suffering from severe neglect, following a response to a residence in the 2800 block of Brookline Avenue on September 22. What officers found when they arrived was deeply disturbing — a dog whose body had been reduced to little more than skin and bone.

The couple's dog, an 8-year-old Dogo Argentino named Gemma, was the subject of the welfare check that set the entire investigation in motion. During the welfare check, animal control officers said they found Gemma severely emaciated, with visible spine bones, little to no body fat, significant muscle loss, and open sores. For an 8-year-old dog — a senior animal already requiring extra care — the condition was a stark indicator of prolonged, deliberate neglect.

A Citizen's Photos Sparked the Investigation

New Smyrna Beach police said they started investigating the case after receiving photographs showing a dog with visible ribs, hip bones, severe hair loss, and signs of neglect. That tip from a concerned community member proved to be the crucial first step. Without those photos, Gemma's suffering might have continued undetected behind closed doors.

Investigators determined the dog had been neglected over an extended period and was not receiving needed veterinary care. That finding — that the neglect was sustained, not a momentary lapse — is central to why the charges are so serious. Aggravated animal cruelty in Florida is a felony, and it carries real consequences for those convicted.

Arrests Made, Gemma Removed From the Home

Shaun Haedrich, 47, and Cathrine Haedrich, 56, were arrested on felony aggravated animal cruelty charges, according to officials. The couple were out of the Volusia County Branch Jail on September 23, each on $2,500 bond, records show. The relatively low bond amount has already drawn attention, given the severity of the conditions Gemma was found in.

Officials say that Gemma was seized for her safety and transported for forensic documentation and a veterinary evaluation. Forensic documentation is a key step in animal cruelty prosecutions — it creates a medical record that can be used as evidence in court to establish the timeline and severity of the neglect. At this time, it is unclear who will have custody of the dog, but police said a petition for custody will be filed through the court system to ensure she receives continued care and protection.

Community Action Made the Difference

This case is a reminder of how powerful community vigilance can be. A single citizen, troubled enough by what they saw to photograph it and contact authorities, set a chain of events in motion that may well have saved Gemma's life. Animal neglect often happens quietly, hidden inside homes where neighbors might only catch a glimpse of something wrong.

Cases like this highlight the critical role community members can play in identifying and reporting suspected animal abuse or neglect. Authorities encourage community members who observe suspected animal abuse or neglect to report it promptly, noting that early reporting can provide investigators and animal welfare professionals an opportunity to intervene before an animal's condition becomes life-threatening. As Gemma now receives the veterinary attention she was denied for so long, the legal process ahead will determine what accountability looks like — and whether her story becomes a catalyst for greater awareness about the signs of animal suffering hiding in plain sight.