A Lehigh Acres woman was arrested Thursday on charges of animal cruelty and illegal possession of wildlife after authorities say she kept an injured white-tailed deer at her home last fall.
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According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, officers responded to a Lee County home in September 2024 after receiving a tip about a resident harboring a deer. They found the animal, which appeared to be missing a leg, in the backyard.
The residents told officers they were seeking help for the deer’s injuries and attempting to get permits to keep it. However, after further examination, officers decided the deer needed to be euthanized due to the severity of its condition.
Following an investigation, FWC officers, along with the Lee County Sheriff's Office, arrested Karen P. James, 65.
She faces multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two violations related to the illegal possession of captive wildlife. Her total bond was set at $105,000.
James has a history of animal-related offenses in Lee County. According to court records, she was cited last year for violations, including failing to vaccinate pets, letting animals run loose and cruelty to animals. In several of those cases, she was fined, but failed to pay.
She is scheduled to be arraigned on April 21 at 8:30 a.m.
FWC officials reminded the public that it is illegal to keep wild animals without proper permits and encouraged people to report wildlife violations by using the FWC Wildlife Alert app, texting Tip411 with the keyword “FWC,” calling 888-404-FWCC or visiting MyFWC.com/WildlifeAlert .
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