Florida Mother Abandons Her Child And Seven Dogs For Two Weeks To Go To Las Vegas On Vacation

A 37-year-old mother from Palatka, Florida is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say she abandoned her teenage son and seven dogs in deplorable conditions to vacation in Las Vegas for nearly two weeks.

According to the sheriff’s office, the case began unfolding on Monday, August 4, when an out-of-state family member called authorities requesting a welfare check on a teenager living alone in Jessica Copeland’s Palatka home.

When deputies first arrived, they encountered an unidentified teen outside the residence, who told them he was “cleaning” before Copeland returned. The teen then came outside and assured officers that “everything was fine.” 

With no immediate signs of distress, deputies left.

But later that same day, another family member reached out to the sheriff’s office—this time with video evidence. What they saw inside left even seasoned investigators without words.

A mother from Florida was arrested after leaving her son and dogs alone, surrounded by filth, and without food while she partied in Las Vegas

Mugshot of Florida mother involved in abandoning her child and seven dogs for two weeks to go on vacation.

Image credits: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

In the footage, deputies saw three dogs who appeared severely emaciated. The family member also said he believed there was no food or running water in the home.

Once inside, the house was described as “uninhabitable,” after Copeland had left her son alone with seven dogs. Animal feces were everywhere and the food and water she had left for the dogs had become infested with insects.

Putnam County sheriff car with officer standing nearby, related to Florida mother abandoning child and seven dogs case.

Image credits: Putnam County Sheriff’s Office

Authorities noted that slow cooker bowls had been repurposed as water dishes, but these too were swarming with bugs.

“The conditions were deplorable,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “No child or animal should have to live like that.”

Cluttered and dirty living room showing neglect in Florida home linked to mother abandoning child and seven dogs.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

Deputies then interviewed Copeland’s teenage son, who said that various people would stop by occasionally to bring him food, before revealing a concerning fact:

This wasn’t a sudden lapse in care by his mother, but how his entire life had been.

Emaciated dog on a leash being led out of a dark wooden porch by a person in jeans, highlighting Florida abandonment case.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

According to the teenager, the home had been in that state for years, with his mother repeatedly refusing to clean it. He described years of living in squalor, surrounded by waste and animals with little food or hygiene.

Copeland left three of her dogs without access to food or water on purpose, while the rest had to survive surrounded by insects

Comment from Hazel Theodore expressing frustration about people’s behavior and the difficulty of being a good human being.

Dirty and neglected dog cage with empty, soiled containers in a Florida case of abandoned pets and child.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

Upon returning from her Las Vegas vacation, Copeland was arrested and charged with child neglect and multiple counts of animal cruelty. The teenager, whose exact age has not been disclosed, told deputies that his mother had been away since July 21.

Deputies later discovered she had been on a “birthday trip” while her son and animals were left in filth.

Old weathered door of a Florida home where mother abandoned her child and seven dogs during vacation.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

Her seven dogs were found in various stages of neglect. Two of them were locked in a bedroom caked with four inches of waste and no food or water. One was found caged and severely malnourished.

The other four were the only ones left free to roam the living room and eat but, as previously stated, their water and food had long become infested with insects.

Emaciated dog on a leash outdoors at night, highlighting neglect in Florida mother abandoning child and seven dogs.

Image credits: News4JAX The Local Station / YouTube

In a public statement, Putnam County Sheriff H.D. DeLoach condemned the mother’s actions.

Comment expressing outrage at Florida mother abandoning child and seven dogs, calling it child and animal abuse.

Supplies including water bottles and food boxes on tables, related to Florida mother abandoning child and dogs.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

“A mother made the conscious choice to abandon her own child in a filth-ridden home, surrounded by the stench of animal feces and suffering of neglected animals while she indulged on a two-week birthday trip to Las Vegas,” he said.

“This wasn’t neglect. This was deliberate cruelty, both to her child and to the animals she left behind.”

Copeland was arrested without resistance on felony and misdemeanor counts of child and animal neglect

Neglected Florida home with extensive filth and damage after mother abandoned child and seven dogs for two weeks.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

On Tuesday morning, while deputies were assisting animal control officers in removing the dogs from the home, Copeland returned. 

Deputies confronted her on the front lawn. Bodycam footage released by the department shows her expressing no resistance as she was told about the conditions inside. She was placed under arrest without incident.

Abandoned Florida home with boarded windows and overgrown yard where mother left child and seven dogs for two weeks.

Image credits: Action News Jax (CBS47 & FOX30) / YouTube

“She is now on extended vacation at the Putnam County Jail,” the sheriff’s office wrote.

As for what’s next for the mother, she is currently being held at the Putnam County Jail on a $36,000 bond.

She was arrested on one count of child neglect, three felony counts of animal neglect, and four misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.

“Let me be clear, our community will not tolerate this level of selfish disregard for human and animal life. She now has time for reflection,” DeLoach added.

Copeland’s teenager is reportedly safe and receiving support.

“Heartless.” Netizens took to social media to express their outrage

Comment criticizing a Florida mother who abandoned her child and seven dogs for a two-week Las Vegas vacation.

Comment by Theresa Knox PeQueen expressing outrage, calling Florida mother abandoning child and dogs cruel and heartless.

Facebook comment by Christy Scarborough criticizing a Florida mother for abandoning responsibilities and neglecting her child and dogs.

Comment box showing frustration about Florida mother abandoning her child and seven dogs to vacation in Las Vegas.

Screenshot of a social media comment expressing nervousness about leaving children alone, related to Florida mother abandoning child.

Comment from Tami Jo Hensley Cartwright expressing concern about Florida mother abandoning child and seven dogs during vacation.

Comment by Walt Carney expressing concern about mental health and the need for help in a serious situation.

Comment expressing outrage at Florida mother who abandoned child and seven dogs during Vegas vacation.

Comment from Sharlene Sellers criticizing a Florida mother abandoning her child and seven dogs, calling it cruel behavior.

Text message commenting on a Florida mother who abandons her child and seven dogs for two weeks while on vacation.

Comment by Melissa Jonas questioning the frequency of welfare visits to a neglected Florida home with abandoned child and dogs.

Comment expressing concern over Florida mother abandoning child and seven dogs for two weeks during Las Vegas vacation.

Comment from Bina Ramdawa requesting assistance, medical care, and food for family abandoned by Florida mother with child and dogs.

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