LUTZ, Fla. — A woman who initially claimed to have found three emaciated dogs behind a gas station in Lutz is now facing multiple charges of animal cruelty and child neglect after deputies uncovered a disturbing case of abuse.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Carla Sanchez Diaz, 29, after three severely neglected dogs were brought to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay—one of which was later euthanized due to critical malnourishment.
The shelter had taken in the animals, naming them “Blessing,” “Hope,” and “Halo.” All three dogs were dangerously underweight, soaked in urine, and near death. One dog, Blessing, was suffering from what officials described as “imminent death” and was humanely euthanized. The other two dogs are still under veterinary care and are expected to recover.
Initially, Sanchez Diaz told shelter staff that she found the dogs abandoned behind Blessings Gas Station along U.S. 41 in Lutz. However, deputies uncovered inconsistencies in her story. Surveillance footage and witness interviews revealed the dogs were never at that location.
When authorities visited Sanchez Diaz’s home, she eventually confessed to her involvement. A search of the residence uncovered two more neglected dogs, who were removed by animal control, and five children living in what deputies described as unfit conditions. The Florida Department of Children and Families took custody of the children.
Charges Filed Against Carla Sanchez Diaz:
5 counts of child neglect
3 counts of aggravated animal cruelty
3 counts of abandonment of an animal
3 counts of unlawful confinement or abandonment
2 counts of general cruelty to animals
“The conditions uncovered in this case are truly appalling,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “To subject both children and animals to such neglect is not only inexcusable, it is inhumane. In Hillsborough County, cruelty and neglect will never go without consequence.”
Sanchez Diaz is currently in custody, and officials say the investigation remains ongoing.
