Naples Woman Arrested After Pomeranian Dies — Officials Cite Severe Neglect

The Case: Neglect, Decline, and a Tragic End

A 69-year-old Naples woman, Yvonne Pepper, was arrested this week and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty after her 11-year-old Pomeranian-mix, Gremlin, died in what deputies described as a preventable medical decline.

The investigation began when a local veterinarian alerted authorities after examining Gremlin. The dog reportedly was unable to walk or stand, had stopped eating, and suffered from multiple serious conditions — including rotten teeth, overgrown nails, severe fur matting, ulcers on both eyes and all four paws, pressure sores on both elbows, a widespread skin infection, and open wounds under his jawline.

According to the vet, those issues could have been prevented with routine grooming and basic care — neglect that ultimately led to a long-term infection, sepsis, a heart event during medical care, and Gremlin’s death.

The Scene at Home: Conditions Alarm Deputies

When deputies from Collier County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) visited Pepper’s home, they described conditions as “disturbing.” The floors were reportedly littered with dog feces, the smell of urine was pervasive, and a large pile of dog fur was found piled against a wall.

Pepper told investigators she had been overwhelmed by “personal responsibilities” and had not sought the veterinary attention Gremlin clearly needed. Nonetheless — given the severity of the neglect and the preventable nature of the dog’s suffering — deputies moved forward with charges.

What This Charge Means — For Justice and for Pets in Southwest Florida

The aggravated cruelty charge is a felony — reflecting how seriously Florida treats cases of animal neglect when they cross into life-threatening territory. For local pet owners and animal-welfare advocates, the case is a sobering reminder that basic care — grooming, dental care, hygiene, timely vet visits — isn’t optional.

Cases like this also point to a broader challenge in regions with large pet populations: ensuring that aging dogs, or pets belonging to households under stress, don’t fall through the cracks.

For the household involved, the legal consequences will now play out. For the public, the arrest and charges reinforce that neglect — not just abuse — can cross the line into criminal conduct when it involves prolonged suffering and preventable death.

When Neglect Becomes Crime: A Warning for Pet Owners

It’s easy to assume serious animal-cruelty charges mean overt abuse — but neglect, especially over time, can be just as damaging, and just as illegal. Lack of grooming, untreated infections, poor hygiene — all can lead to conditions that qualify for felony charges when they result in severe pain or death.

If you own pets, especially older ones or those with chronic needs, it’s a good moment to do a quick home-care audit: check nails, fur, ears, eyes, weight, mobility, and the condition of your living space. If you notice anything off — schedule a vet visit. Not only for your pet’s sake — but to avoid the legal and moral fallout of neglect.