Florida News Beep | NewsBeep.com
  • News Beep
  • Florida
  • Jacksonville
  • Miami
  • Tampa
  • Orlando
  • Port St. Lucie
  • United States
Florida News Beep | NewsBeep.com
Florida News Beep | NewsBeep.com
  • News Beep
  • Florida
  • Jacksonville
  • Miami
  • Tampa
  • Orlando
  • Port St. Lucie
  • United States
Martin County sheriff says two cats survived, two others found dead
PPort St. Lucie

Martin County sheriff says two cats survived, two others found dead

  • October 14, 2026

MARTIN COUNTY, Fla. (Gray News) – A 37-year-old Florida woman has been arrested for allegedly burying cats in her yard while they were still alive.

Martin County deputies and animal services officers responded to a residence last week at the Hobe Sound Mobile Home Park on Southeast Federal Highway to investigate an animal cruelty case.

Investigators spoke with the homeowner, Alba Chavez, who said she buried at least four cats alive in her yard because she believed they were demons, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office.

The Martin County sheriff said two cats survived and two others were found dead.The Martin County sheriff said two cats survived and two others were found dead.(Martin County Sheriff’s Office)

Deputies began digging up the property, but were only able to save two of the cats. Two other cats were found dead.

“You don’t treat an animal that way and expect to get away with it,” Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said during a briefing last week.

Chavez was booked at the Martin County Jail in multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty.

Copyright 2026 Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

  • Tags:
  • alba chavez
  • animal cruelty arrest
  • cats buried alive
  • Hobe Sound Mobile Home Park
  • Martin County Sheriff's Office
  • Port St. Lucie
  • Port St. Lucie Headlines
  • Port St. Lucie News
Florida News Beep | NewsBeep.com
www.newsbeep.com