Sign: Vet Tech’s Cat and Dogs Found Decomposing in Bedroom After She Abandoned Them

Published: August 05, 2025 at 05:28 PM Author: Penny Eims

Brevard County, Florida – Two dogs and a cat suffered a slow, painful death in the bedroom of a Rockledge home after being abandoned by their owner, a 23-year-old vet tech. Sheriff Wayne Ivey with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office says Christianna Miller left her apartment in December, and the decomposing bodies of her dogs, Opal and Rudy, and cat, Gnocci, were discovered months later when a pest control company entered the fly-infested home.

Miller not only ensured that her pets would not be able to escape by locking them in a room, but she cruelly went a step further…leaving their food on a shelf, in sight of her starving pets, but out of their reach.

Gnocci, abandoned and starved to death.

According to the sheriff, Miller claimed that she hired a pet sitter to care for the dogs and cat, but she could not provide a name and had no proof that she paid anyone to come to her home. Sheriff Ivey said Miller has done this before; back in 2024 she failed to care for a dog, who died of starvation. Sheriff Ivey said, “in Volusia County, (she) had another dog that she was supposed to take care of that was found completely emaciated and died as a result, too. So guess what? They didn’t do anything up in Volusia. But that ain’t gonna happen here in Brevard.”

Christianna Miller chose a career in veterinary medicine, becoming a licensed veterinary technician. But shockingly, she failed to provide even the most basic care to her own pets…allowing them to suffer and die a slow, agonizing death. Please sign the petition to help Animal Victory hold her accountable for this appalling betrayal of trust.

Miller faces three counts of aggravated felony animal cruelty; three counts of unlawful confinement without sufficient food, water or exercise; and three counts of animal abandonment. She is held on bond of $28,500.

Target: State Attorney William Scheiner, Office of the State Attorney, 18th Judicial Circuit (Brevard County)

WHY THIS PETITION MATTERS: 

We, the undersigned, demand that Christianna Miller be held accountable for the pain and suffering she subjected her dogs and cat to. Miller intentionally abandoned her pets, taking steps to ensure that they could not escape. Laws must recognize the actual seriousness of animal abuse and ensure that those who commit these cruel acts are held fully accountable.

Research has consistently shown a strong link between animal cruelty and human violence. Individuals who commit such heinous acts against animals often pose a threat to society as a whole, as animal abuse is frequently a precursor to other violent crimes. Failing to hold this woman accountable not only denies justice to her pets, who suffered immensely and died, but also endangers the community at large. We must send a clear message that such cruelty will not be tolerated.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

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Update 10/31/2025: Defendant: Christianna Miller; Case #: 05-2025-CF-041256-AXXX-BC Hearing in this case is a docket sounding scheduled on 12/09/2025. A docket sounding is: “In Florida criminal cases, a docket sounding is a hearing held before trial to ensure the case is progressing. At this hearing, the judge and attorneys discuss the case’s status to determine readiness for trial, negotiate plea bargains, or schedule specific trial dates. The defendant is typically required to be present to allow the judge to ensure they understand the proceedings.”

Importance of the hearing

• It’s a final check: It’s often the last hearing before the trial begins, so it is a critical point for deciding the case’s next steps.
• Ensures progress: The hearing ensures that cases are not stalled and are moving toward a resolution.

Update 9/12/2025: Animal Victory sent petition and updated signatures to the DA and Judge. 

Update 9/2/2025: Defendant Miller’s upcoming hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2025. It is a docket sounding and initial appearance. Prosecuting Attorney: Mr. Parker Richard Jacques Position: State Attorney Location: 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Bldg D, Melbourne, FL 32940-6605