Woman accused of leaving 2 Labradors to die in Florida storage unit

Florida woman has been charged with animal cruelty after police allegedly found two Labrador Retrievers dead inside a storage unit where they had been left without water or adequate cooling.

Authorities arrested 21-year-old Alexia Veronica Barquet on Sunday after officers responded to reports of a foul odour coming from a storage facility in Bunnell.

Officers discover dead dogs

According to the Bunnell Police Department, another tenant reported that dogs could usually be heard inside a neighbouring unit but the noises had stopped.

After Barquet unlocked the unit, officers found two deceased black Labradors, Ava, 5, and Karma, 2.

Police said one dog's remains had been placed inside a plastic bag, while the other was found lying near the door. Officers also reported finding animal waste, rubbish and empty water bowls inside the unit.

Authorities said a portable cooling unit was running but was not producing cool air, and the inside temperature appeared no lower than the outdoor heat, which had a heat index of about 96 degrees.

Woman allegedly warned earlier

According to local reports, animal services had warned Barquet in March not to keep the dogs inside the storage unit.

Police allege she told officers she last checked on one of the dogs and provided food and water on July 17.

Multiple animal cruelty charges

Barquet was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty involving excessive pain or death and two additional counts related to confining or abandoning animals without adequate food, water, exercise or ventilation.

She was later released after posting a $6,000 bond, according to jail records.

Police Chief David Brannon described the case as "disgusting," saying pet owners have a responsibility to provide animals with proper care and safe living conditions.