The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a woman after deputies uncovered disturbing cases of animal cruelty and child neglect.
On August 29, 2025, at 5:08 p.m., deputies responded to the Humane Society of Tampa Bay after staff reported the intake of three severely neglected dogs.
One of the animals, was critically malnourished and showing signs of imminent death. To prevent further suffering, the dog was humanely euthanized. The two other dogs are currently recovering.
The dogs were surrendered by a woman, later identified as Carla Sanchez Diaz, 29. She claimed the animals were found abandoned behind the Blessings Gas Station located at 18215 U.S. Highway 41.
During the investigation, deputies identified several inconsistencies in her statements. On August 30, 2025, deputies obtained video surveillance from the gas station and interviewed witnesses, conclusively determining the dogs were not located at that site.
Deputies then located Sanchez Diaz at her residence in the 900 block of Montana Avenue, where she voluntarily made statements acknowledging her involvement. After being advised of her constitutional rights, she provided a full confession.
Sanchez Diaz was arrested and charged with:
Child Neglect X5
Aggravated Cruelty to Animals X3
Abandonment of Animal X3
Unlawful Confinement or Abandonment of an Animal X3
Cruelty to Animals X2
During the search of the residence, deputies located two additional dogs, which were taken into custody by Hillsborough County Animal Control. Authorities also discovered five children living in the home. The Florida Department of Children and Families responded and assumed custody of the children.
“The conditions uncovered in this case are truly appalling. To subject both children and animals to such neglect is not only inexcusable, it is inhumane,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Let me be clear: in Hillsborough County, cruelty and neglect will never go without consequence. We will always stand up for the most vulnerable, and we will ensure those responsible are held fully accountable. I applaud our deputies for their swift work to put this person behind bars.”
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.
