Topline: A dead donkey, dying cats and a dumpster reportedly holding more animal remains led to felony cruelty charges against a Winter Haven woman.
Published: October 5, 2026 4:04 pm ET
Shawn Fletcher
Committed to the craft of journalism and am driven by my desire to inform and inspire.
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WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 59-year-old woman faces three felony animal cruelty counts after an investigation into dead and dying animals at her Logan Lane property, where detectives found a donkey that had thrashed in the dirt before its death.
Melissa McKinney was arrested October 1, according to WFLA’s reporting on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Deputies reported more than 15 dead animals connected to the property, along with waste and other health hazards. The causes of the animals’ deaths remained undetermined in the October 2 report.
Officers initially responded earlier that week over concerns about diseased and dead animals. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also responded to investigate a possible chemical leak. That concern proved unfounded, but officials contacted the sheriff’s office after seeing the animals’ condition.
Dead Donkey and Cats Found
Detectives arriving at the property smelled decomposition and found the dead donkey in the yard. An affidavit described marks in the dirt as evidence that the animal had been thrashing, indicating severe pain, distress and a veterinary emergency.
Asked about the donkey, McKinney said she had not had time to call a veterinarian, according to the report.
Detectives also found four dead cats in the yard and five other cats in extremely poor condition that later died, WFLA reported. McKinney told investigators the decomposition odor likely came from another 10 to 15 dead cats in her dumpster.
The affidavit alleged that McKinney had not sought assistance for the animals and appeared unconcerned about those suffering and dying, focusing instead on having the dead animals removed.
Other animals, including cats, a pony and two dogs, appeared unaffected by whatever had caused the deaths, according to the sheriff’s office. The reported removal inventory listed two dogs, a pony, five living cats, four dead cats and the dead donkey. WFLA did not clarify whether the five cats listed as alive at removal were the same five it reported later died.
Waste Hazards and Additional Charges
Detectives documented water containers holding larvae, piles of solid waste, rusted tools, electrical wires, a large burn pit, construction materials, metal and assorted household items. Trash and other materials were stored uncovered within feet of a creek bed.
A broken cooler covered the septic tank lid. Investigators also reported flies and mosquitoes amid large amounts of animal feces around the property.
As of October 2, McKinney’s charges included three counts of felony animal cruelty, two counts of maintaining a nuisance injurious to health, three counts of operating unpermitted solid waste sites and two counts of unauthorized possession of dairy cases.
The sheriff’s office said additional charges were possible depending on the results of the animals’ necropsies.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Melissa McKinney Charged After Dead Donkey and Cats Found on Winter Haven Property
A dead donkey, dying cats and a dumpster reportedly holding more animal remains led to felony cruelty charges against a Winter Haven woman.
By Shawn Fletcher
Published: October 5, 2026 4:04 pm ET
WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 59-year-old woman faces three felony animal cruelty counts after an investigation into dead and dying animals at her Logan Lane property, where detectives found a donkey that had thrashed in the dirt before its death.
Melissa McKinney was arrested October 1, according to WFLA’s reporting on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Deputies reported more than 15 dead animals connected to the property, along with waste and other health hazards. The causes of the animals’ deaths remained undetermined in the October 2 report.
Officers initially responded earlier that week over concerns about diseased and dead animals. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also responded to investigate a possible chemical leak. That concern proved unfounded, but officials contacted the sheriff’s office after seeing the animals’ condition.
Dead Donkey and Cats Found
Detectives arriving at the property smelled decomposition and found the dead donkey in the yard. An affidavit described marks in the dirt as evidence that the animal had been thrashing, indicating severe pain, distress and a veterinary emergency.
Asked about the donkey, McKinney said she had not had time to call a veterinarian, according to the report.
Detectives also found four dead cats in the yard and five other cats in extremely poor condition that later died, WFLA reported. McKinney told investigators the decomposition odor likely came from another 10 to 15 dead cats in her dumpster.
The affidavit alleged that McKinney had not sought assistance for the animals and appeared unconcerned about those suffering and dying, focusing instead on having the dead animals removed.
Other animals, including cats, a pony and two dogs, appeared unaffected by whatever had caused the deaths, according to the sheriff’s office. The reported removal inventory listed two dogs, a pony, five living cats, four dead cats and the dead donkey. WFLA did not clarify whether the five cats listed as alive at removal were the same five it reported later died.
Waste Hazards and Additional Charges
Detectives documented water containers holding larvae, piles of solid waste, rusted tools, electrical wires, a large burn pit, construction materials, metal and assorted household items. Trash and other materials were stored uncovered within feet of a creek bed.
A broken cooler covered the septic tank lid. Investigators also reported flies and mosquitoes amid large amounts of animal feces around the property.
As of October 2, McKinney’s charges included three counts of felony animal cruelty, two counts of maintaining a nuisance injurious to health, three counts of operating unpermitted solid waste sites and two counts of unauthorized possession of dairy cases.
The sheriff’s office said additional charges were possible depending on the results of the animals’ necropsies.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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Latest Articles
Melissa McKinney Charged After Dead Donkey and Cats Found on Winter Haven Property
A dead donkey, dying cats and a dumpster reportedly holding more animal remains led to felony cruelty charges against a Winter Haven woman.
By Shawn Fletcher
Published: October 5, 2026 4:04 pm ET
WINTER HAVEN, FL — A 59-year-old woman faces three felony animal cruelty counts after an investigation into dead and dying animals at her Logan Lane property, where detectives found a donkey that had thrashed in the dirt before its death.
Melissa McKinney was arrested October 1, according to WFLA’s reporting on the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation. Deputies reported more than 15 dead animals connected to the property, along with waste and other health hazards. The causes of the animals’ deaths remained undetermined in the October 2 report.
Officers initially responded earlier that week over concerns about diseased and dead animals. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection also responded to investigate a possible chemical leak. That concern proved unfounded, but officials contacted the sheriff’s office after seeing the animals’ condition.
Dead Donkey and Cats Found
Detectives arriving at the property smelled decomposition and found the dead donkey in the yard. An affidavit described marks in the dirt as evidence that the animal had been thrashing, indicating severe pain, distress and a veterinary emergency.
Asked about the donkey, McKinney said she had not had time to call a veterinarian, according to the report.
Detectives also found four dead cats in the yard and five other cats in extremely poor condition that later died, WFLA reported. McKinney told investigators the decomposition odor likely came from another 10 to 15 dead cats in her dumpster.
The affidavit alleged that McKinney had not sought assistance for the animals and appeared unconcerned about those suffering and dying, focusing instead on having the dead animals removed.
Other animals, including cats, a pony and two dogs, appeared unaffected by whatever had caused the deaths, according to the sheriff’s office. The reported removal inventory listed two dogs, a pony, five living cats, four dead cats and the dead donkey. WFLA did not clarify whether the five cats listed as alive at removal were the same five it reported later died.
Waste Hazards and Additional Charges
Detectives documented water containers holding larvae, piles of solid waste, rusted tools, electrical wires, a large burn pit, construction materials, metal and assorted household items. Trash and other materials were stored uncovered within feet of a creek bed.
A broken cooler covered the septic tank lid. Investigators also reported flies and mosquitoes amid large amounts of animal feces around the property.
As of October 2, McKinney’s charges included three counts of felony animal cruelty, two counts of maintaining a nuisance injurious to health, three counts of operating unpermitted solid waste sites and two counts of unauthorized possession of dairy cases.
The sheriff’s office said additional charges were possible depending on the results of the animals’ necropsies.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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