Bay County, Florida – A former Bay County Animal Control employee, Cameron Howard, is accused of multiple acts of animal cruelty, including allegedly torturing a kitten before its death, striking a shelter dog with a catch pole and causing paralysis and seizures, and slamming another dog to the ground. The allegations led to three animal cruelty charges and the termination of his employment.
According to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, a witness reported that the 36-year-old animal control employee had tortured a kitten before ultimately euthanizing it.
A kitten was allegedly tortured while still alive during a September 3, 2026, euthanasia procedure, according to a witness statement, before the kitten was killed.
In a press release, the authorities outlined what transpired:
According to a witness who was present to assist with the procedure, the kitten was small enough that a procedure known as a “heart stick” was used to administer the euthanasia medication. The witness told investigators they observed the needle enter the kitten’s heart and saw the needle moving with the kitten’s heartbeat.
According to the witness, Howard proceeded to insert a second needle into the small kitten’s stomach and then laughed when confronted about what he had done. The police press report states:
The witness then reported that, while the kitten was still alive, Howard inserted a second needle and syringe into the kitten’s stomach and withdrew stomach fluid. According to the witness, Howard removed the syringe, allowing the fluid to spill onto the table. When questioned about the action, the witness said Howard laughed, stated he did not know why he had done it, and then re-injected the fluid into the kitten.
Heartbreakingly, the witness told investigators that the kitten received a paralytic drug that makes movement impossible but does NOT eliminate pain.
This man, who was entrusted to provide care for homeless shelter animals, allegedly hurt at least two dogs before the young kitten. According to the report, in May or June of this year, a dog escaped from the euthanasia room and while attempts were being made to capture him, “Howard approached and raised his catch pole above his head with both hands before striking the dog in the spine.”
The witness reported that the dog temporarily became paralyzed, collapsed and began having a seizure. Another Animal Control employee reportedly witnessed the incident.
And just weeks ago, Howard allegedly tortured another dog who was in the euthanasia room waiting to be put down. The police said, “According to the witness, Howard lifted the catch pole over his head with both hands and swung the dog, which was still attached to the pole, over his shoulder and onto the ground. The witness said the dog appeared stunned following the incident.”
The incidents resulted in Howard facing the following charges:
– Two counts of Animal Cruelty
– One count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty
Sheriff Tommy Ford said:
“I am absolutely disgusted by the allegations against Mr. Howard and the way these animals were treated. Animals in the care of our community deserve to be treated with compassion and dignity, particularly when they are already vulnerable and relying on the people entrusted with their care. These allegations are extremely disturbing, and we take them very seriously. We will continue working closely with County Administration as this case moves forward.”
These animals were already dealt horrible hands. Homeless, scared, held at an animal control facility and slated for death…in their final moments of life, they were allegedly tortured by a man who was entrusted to care for them. Please add your name to the petition to hold Cameron Howard accountable for his despicable actions!
We demand that Cameron Howard be held fully accountable for his alleged acts of cruelty to dogs and a kitten at the Bay County Animal Control facility. Witnesses say this man tortured these animals in their final moments of life.
If convicted, Howard must receive the maximum sentence permitted by law and be prohibited, to the fullest extent legally possible, from owning, possessing, or working with animals in the future.
We also urge the Bay County Board of County Commissioners to implement stronger shelter oversight, clear accountability measures, and safeguards to protect animals in county care. These animals depend entirely on the people entrusted with their welfare. Their safety must never again be compromised by a failure of oversight.
Animal Protection Laws for Florida
News
Bay County Sheriff’s Office Press Release
Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused children seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Updates directly into your inbox.
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive email updates from Animal Victory. You may unsubscribe anytime.
Donate To Promote Petition