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Apopka Today
By the People, for the People
Apopka Man Accused of Killing Dog Lotus, Burying Her in Yard
Police say the man tried to surrender the dog before allegedly killing and burying her.
Published on Mar. 10, 2026
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Authorities in Apopka, Florida have charged a man with animal cruelty after he allegedly killed his dog Lotus and buried her body in his yard. The case came to light after an anonymous tip led police to the property, where they found evidence of the dog's death and burial.
Why it matters
This case highlights the challenges faced by pet owners and animal rescues when there are limited options for surrendering or rehoming animals. It also underscores the importance of Florida's new public animal-abuser registry, which aims to prevent abusive individuals from adopting pets in the future.
The details
According to the arrest report, the man told officers he had tried and failed to surrender Lotus to several rescues and shelters. He then allegedly tied Lotus to a tree, shot her twice in the back of the head with a pellet gun, cut her throat with a machete, placed the body in a bag, and buried it on the property.
- The alleged killing happened on January 21, 2026.
- Police were alerted to the incident on January 27, 2026 after an anonymous Crimeline tip.
The players
Lotus
The dog that was allegedly killed by her owner.
Orange County Animal Services
The agency that assisted Apopka police in the investigation.
Apopka Police Department
The law enforcement agency that charged the man with animal cruelty.
What’s next
The arrest report forms the basis of the case, and prosecutors will determine the appropriate charges and penalties under Florida's animal cruelty laws.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for accessible resources to help owners rehome animals when they can no longer care for them. The new public animal-abuser registry in Florida aims to prevent similar incidents in the future.
