Sign: Justice for Starved Great Dane Abandoned on the Roadside to Die

Published: November 20, 2025 at 11:48 PM Author: Animal Welfare Investigative Writer & Petition Author

Jacksonville, Florida – A Florida woman is facing a felony animal cruelty charge for neglecting a Great Dane so severely that the dog died, despite veterinary intervention. On November 7, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 42-year-old Dawn Lipford, identifying her as the person responsible for abandoning the skeletal Great Dane, found curled up on the side of a Jacksonville road days earlier.

Animal Care and Protective Services dubbed the starved dog Miracle, and did their utmost to save his life, but his condition was too severe, and he did not survive. On November 4, the animal welfare agency notified social media followers of the neglected dog’s passing, writing:

Miracle did his best to hold on as our team did everything they could, but he was too far gone by the time he got to us, and tragically, he didn’t make it. He passed surrounded by staff members who had already gotten attached during their time caring for him. Someone had failed Miracle a long time ago, and it is devastating. 

With the offering of an $8,000 reward from First Coast Crime Stoppers and the diligent work of the sheriff’s office Vice Unit detectives, Dawn Lipford was identified as the person responsible for Miracle’s pitiful condition and subsequent death.

Miracle (whose real name was Oak) did not get into this condition quickly. His pitiful state of health at the time he was abandoned was the result of long-term neglect, and the amount of suffering he endured is unimaginable. We know that he was originally purchased from a pet store as a puppy, but he was denied the life he deserved.

Starvation is widely recognized as one of the cruelest and most prolonged forms of animal neglect.

Starvation is not quick. Animals experience organ failure, muscle wasting, chronic pain, confusion, severe weakness, constant hunger, and thirst. It is a slow, torturous decline made more painful because the animal remains awake and conscious as their body slowly wastes away.

The people who tried to save this dog’s life gave him the name Miracle, hoping that he would get the miracle he deserved. They wanted him to know what a full stomach and a healthy body felt like. They wanted him to spend the remainder of his life enjoying love and kindness. But Miracle did not get his miracle, and now, the person who inflicted so much misery on his life must be held accountable.

Please add your name to the petition to help Animal Victory fight for justice in this heartbreaking case.

Decision Maker: Melissa Nelson – State Attorney for Florida’s Fourth Judicial Circuit

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Dawn Lipford be held accountable for neglecting the Great Dane dubbed Miracle so severely that he could not survive, despite veterinary intervention. This woman subjected Miracle to immense suffering, and she must face actual consequences. It is our collective demand that Lipford face the maximum sentence for the felony animal cruelty charge. We also demand that this woman be permanently banned from owning, residing with, or working with animals. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these brutal acts are held fully accountable. This case is not just about one dog; it is about the precedent we set for justice.

Research shows a clear link between animal cruelty and human violence. Those who harm animals often pose a danger to people as well. Failing to hold this woman accountable not only denies justice to the dog who suffered a miserable death but also puts the entire community at risk.

This petition is based on information from police and public officials. Details may change as investigations continue. If charges are modified, dropped, or expunged, Animal Victory will update upon verified documentation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

News

November 4 News Release Animal Care & Services

 JSO News Release November 4 and November 7

News 4 Jax

WOKV News

Fox 13 Tampa

Update 1/07/2026: Pre-Trial has been continued for Dawn Lipford, DOB: 2/23/1983 scheduled for 01/27/2026 at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Tatiana Salvador, on the third floor, Room 307. Lipford has pled not guilty to the charge of Aggravated Animal Cruelty.

Update 12/3/2025: Lipford has pled “not guilty” to the aggravated animal cruelty charge.  The pretrial is scheduled for 01/07/2026 9:00 AM – 307 3RD FLOOR, 501 W ADAMS ST JACKSONVILLE FL 32202

Update 12/2/2025: Members of the community came together to honor Miracle (formerly known as Oak) at a vigil on November 30. Animal Care & Protective Services said, “Very grateful for the community of animal advocates who attended tonight’s vigil for Oak. Our work is not done but coming together for a moment of silence and to hear from folks who were essential to breaking the case was powerful. 🩵”

Update 11/24/2025: Dawn Lipford, Case #16-2025-CF-010475, DOB: 2/23/1983.  Lipford has been charged with Felony 3 – aggravated animal cruelty.  Bond was set at $25,003.00.  No contact with animals.  Arrest and Booking Report attached.  Prosecuting Attorney:  Cyrus Patrick Zomorodian, Judge: TATIANA SALVADOR. Lipford is to be arraigned 12/02/2025.