SWFL.io - Local NewsMadison Zaleski
•8/25/2026
When the Lee County Sheriff's Office rescues animals from an abusive situation, many times the animals need extensive medical care. For example, a cat named "Junior", who neighbors said they called Tubby, is still recovering after Lee County deputies say a man was accused of shooting him with an airsoft gun on Aug. 15. The blast shattered Junior's left leg, leaving bullet fragments lodged inside his body. Veterinarians had no choice but to amputate his leg. "It sickens me that our suspect shoots an animal, shoots the cat in the leg," said Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. Junior is not the only animal to suffer in Lee County. In May, deputies arrested Browen Sweet after he was accused of beating two family dogs in Lehigh Acres. Cases like these keep adding up -- Lee County deputies say they have made 17 animal cruelty arrests so far this year. "I'm consistent with my message. I'm not going to tolerate it, not in Lee County, Florida. You abuse animals in Lee County, you will absolutely go to jail," said Marceno. Many Lee County residents have asked how animal services covers the cost of caring for abused animals. Most cases are treated at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, but the worst cases need specialized care at BluePearl Pet Hospital off Daniels Parkway. "When we are tasked with providing lifesaving emergency operations, it is costly," said service deputy officer Sergio Perez with Lee County Domestic Animal Services. Animal cruelty cases can rack up thousands of dollars in bills. Those bills are paid partially through the "Animal Care Trust Fund," which relies on donations from the community to help care for these animals. "We're grateful for any donations. We have an operating budget that we're able to provide the resources that we do to our community," said Perez. In the case of "Junior" the cat, medical care at BluePearl cost more than $4,000. However, the total cost incurred by the Lee County Domestic Animal Services - Animal Care Trust Fund for this pet was discounted to roughly $2,000. Now, animals like Junior can get a second chance. Online donations to the Lee County Animal Care Trust Fund can be made here. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.