Florida woman facing animal cruelty after severely malnourished dog, Olive, found in New Smyrna Beach: Police

NEW SMYRNA BEACH, Fla. - A Florida woman has been arrested in a dog neglect case after the New Smyrna Police Department conducted an investigation involving a severely malnourished dog. 

What we know:

A woman believed to be the dog's owner – Arriana Washington, 19, of Port Orange, Florida – is facing a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. 

Arriana Washington is accused of aggravated animal cruelty after a dog was found severely malnourished in New Smyrna Beach, police say. 

On Feb. 10, witnesses told police the dog was confined indoors and not walked outside – leading to her defecating in living spaces, New Smyrna Police said. Additionally, the dog – now named Olive by the staff of the Edgewater Animal Shelter – lacked proper food, water and care, witnesses told police. 

The New Smyrna Beach Police Department Animal Control Unit is investigating an animal cruelty case after locating a severely malnourished dog was found. (Source: New Smyrna Police Department)

The backstory:

A female adult dog was found severely malnourished in the 200 block of Inwood Avenue on February 9, 2026. The dog, with brown and white fur, was found with its rib cage and spine visible through its fur. 

Police said Olive was found in extremely poor physical condition, with visible ribs, hips, and spine and significant muscle loss. She was transported to an animal clinic for emergency veterinary care, where she is recovering well, police reported. 

Olive has gained six pounds and is continuing to show steady improvement under veterinary supervision, New Smyrna Police said in a Feb. 13 update. 

What's next:

Olive will remain at the clinic while she is recovering.