- July 20, 2026
A 21-year-old Palm Coast woman was arrested Sunday after two deceased Labrador retrievers were found inside a storage unit where investigators allege the dogs had been confined without adequate food, water, exercise, ventilation or effective cooling.
According to the Bunnell Police Department, officers responded at approximately 9:44 a.m. Sunday, July 19, to a storage facility in the 500 block of East Court Street after a tenant reported a strong, foul odor coming from one of the units. The tenant told officers dog noises could normally be heard from inside the unit, but none were heard that morning. An officer also observed ants beneath the roll-up door and flies entering and leaving a nearby vent.
The storage facility owner helped officers contact the renter of the unit, identified as Alexia Veronica Barquet, 21, of Palm Coast. Barquet came to the facility, unlocked the storage unit and told officers she kept two dogs inside. She also consented to officers entering the unit.
According to police, officers found the floor covered with dog feces, trash and debris. A portable cooling unit appeared to be operating but was not producing cool air, and officers reported the inside of the storage unit felt no cooler than the outside temperature. The heat index at the time was approximately 96 degrees. Officers also found the dogs' water dishes were empty.
Police reported finding two deceased female black Labrador retrievers inside the unit. Karma, a 2-year-old dog, was found lying on the floor near a door. Ava, a 5-year-old dog, had been placed inside a black plastic bag.
According to investigators, Barquet told officers she discovered Ava dead earlier in the week, placed the dog's remains in a plastic bag and left them inside the storage unit. She also told officers she last checked on Karma on Friday, July 17, when she provided food and water.
Flagler Animal Services responded to assist with the investigation. Police said an animal control officer had previously contacted Barquet on March 19, 2026, and warned her not to house animals overnight in the storage unit.
Following the investigation, officers arrested Barquet and transported her to the Flagler County Inmate Facility. She was charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty involving excessive pain or death, both felonies under Florida Statute 828.12(2), and two counts of confinement or abandonment of animals without adequate food, water, exercise or air, misdemeanors under Florida Statute 828.13(2)(b).
Her bond was set at $6,000.
“This is a disgusting case of animal cruelty, and these dogs died in a condition no animal should ever face,” Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said. “Animals depend entirely upon their owners for food, clean water, safe shelter, exercise, medical attention, and protection from dangerous conditions. Owning an animal carries a serious responsibility—one no person can ignore or set aside when providing care becomes difficult. Animal cruelty has no place in Bunnell, and our department maintains zero tolerance for anyone who abuses, neglects, or abandons an animal. When someone violates this fundamental duty and causes suffering or death, our officers will investigate thoroughly, follow the evidence, and relentlessly pursue full accountability under Florida law.”
Anyone who witnesses an animal in immediate danger should call 911. Suspected animal cruelty or neglect can be reported to the Bunnell Police Department at (386) 437-7508.
