Woman accused of animal cruelty after 2 pets found dead in Fort Myers home

FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)— A Fort Myers woman faces multiple animal cruelty charges after police found a dead dog and snake inside her apartment under what investigators described as severely neglectful conditions.

Fort Myers Police arrested Celeste Jordan Hall on Monday following an animal-related investigation at an apartment on Bellaria Way. 

Officers responded to the scene around 8:36 p.m. after Animal Control and the Lee County Sheriff's Office reported concerning conditions inside the residence.

Upon entering the apartment, officers immediately noticed a strong odor and unsanitary living conditions throughout. 

They found a deceased dog locked inside a crate, showing clear signs of severe malnourishment that indicated prolonged starvation.

The crate contained soiled bedding and was surrounded by extensive animal waste, suggesting the dog had been confined in those conditions for an extended period. 

No accessible food or clean water was within the animal's reach, and the water present in the home was contaminated and unsuitable for consumption.

Officers also discovered a deceased snake inside the residence. The snake showed signs consistent with neglect, and Hall admitted to failing to provide proper care and nourishment to the animal.

Investigators determined both animals had been subjected to prolonged neglect and a failure to provide necessary sustenance, resulting in unnecessary suffering and death. 

Hall was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and one count of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise.

Hall was transported to the Lee County Jail.