CRIME: ANIMAL CRUELTY
CRIME SCENE: LAKE HAMILTON AREA
POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CASE 26-8562

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating an animal cruelty case that originated in the Lake Hamilton area.

On February 26, 2026, at around 6:55 pm, the PCSO was informed of a deceased dog with a neck laceration that was found next to Lake Hatchineha Road, near Alford Road, west of Lake Hamilton. 

A PCSO deputy and an Animal Control Officer responded to the scene and collected the deceased dog. A similar dog was captured nearby with a laceration on its neck as well. 

The deceased dog was a brown male with white fur around its neck area.

The injured dog is the pictured brown & white male. His laceration was not as severe, and the wonderful staff at Animal Control were able to provide him with excellent care. 

If you have any information that may be helpful to this investigation, please contact Detective Bernthal at  863-534-7205 or email ABernthal@polksheriff.org.

If you wish to remain anonymous AND be eligible for a reward, contact Heartland Crime Stoppers in one of four ways:

• CALL 1-888-400 TIPS (8477) Heartland Crime Stoppers Florida
• DIAL **TIPS from your cell phone
• VISIT http://heartlandcrimestoppers.com and click on "Submit A Tip,"
• DOWNLOAD the free "P3tips" app on your smartphone or tablet