Two kittens were rescued from a backyard in Hobe Sound; two were found dead, and a fifth remains missing. The Martin County sheriff is revealing new details about the disturbing case.
HOBE SOUND, Fla. —
Body cam video shows deputies digging through a backyard in the rain, revealing two kittens crying beneath the ground. Two kittens were pulled out alive, but two others were found dead.
Now, Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek is sharing new details about the animal cruelty investigation, including why the children who lived in the home were afraid to call 911.
Alba Chavez, 37, was arrested after deputies responded to a mobile home park in Hobe Sound on Thursday, Oct. 8. Court records show she’s facing four counts related to animal cruelty.
Hearst OwnedCourtesy: Martin County Sheriff’s Office
Alba Chavez, 37, was arrested on animal cruelty charges.
Deputies heard kittens crying underground
Budensiek said several children called 911 Thursday night after three kittens disappeared from a bedroom where they had been locked for protection.
According to the MCSO, the children had already learned that two other kittens died earlier in the week at the hands of Chavez. Budensiek said Chavez allegedly threw those kittens in the trash before burying them.
The sheriff said the children told dispatchers they believed Chavez had killed three additional kittens.
Deputies responded and said Chavez led them to the backyard, where they frantically dug through the ground in rainy conditions.
“Two kittens were removed that were still alive,” Budensiek said.
The surviving kittens were taken to an emergency veterinarian for treatment for dehydration. The two other kittens were found dead, and a fifth kitten remains missing despite searches of the backyard and home.
What investigators know about the suspect
Budensiek said Chavez allegedly told deputies she thought the kittens were demonic and did not want black or brown cats in her home.
Investigators have not determined exactly how the two kittens died earlier in the week. The sheriff said Chavez initially answered questions but later stopped cooperating.
“For me, motive doesn’t matter; you don’t treat an animal that way and expect to get away with it,” Budensiek said.
Budensiek said Chavez is being held on a $100,000 bond and that an immigration hold had also been placed on her.
Sheriff explains why children delayed calling 911
Budensiek said the children knew about the two earlier deaths but were afraid to report what happened.
The sheriff said they were concerned about what would happen to Chavez, the woman in charge of the home, if authorities became involved.
“See something, say something sounds nice, but when you know you’re the person that’s in the house that’s in charge of the house is going to be arrested and deported, it changes those dynamics,” Budensiek said.
Despite the delay, he praised the children for eventually contacting authorities.
“I do commend them; it had to take a lot of courage for them to reach out and call 911,” he said.
The children were taken by the Florida Department of Children and Families and later turned over to their father, who lives locally, according to the sheriff.
According to the MCSO, if the missing kitten is found dead, Chavez could face an additional charge.
The surviving kittens are being cared for at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast.
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