10/01/2026
*Warning* The details are disturbing. THIS is why we stay angry. Why did this go on for so long when there were witnesses? He is a psychopath and needs to be caged away from humans. The first time he did any of this there should have been someone ELSE in a mugshot in an orange jumpsuit getting GFM donations for their legal representation! 😡
BAY COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR MULTIPLE ANIMAL CRUELTY CHARGES
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office announces the arrest of 36-year-old Cameron Howard following an investigation into allegations of animal cruelty involving animals in the care of Bay County Animal Control.
Howard, a former employee of Bay County Animal Control, was arrested on two counts of Animal Cruelty and one count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
The investigation began after Bay County Animal Control management received an anonymous report alleging Howard had been abusing and torturing animals and had bragged about the conduct. Animal Control and County Administration initiated an internal investigation and contacted the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
As part of the investigation, BCSO investigators interviewed all Animal Control employees and obtained sworn, recorded statements from multiple witnesses.
Investigators examined an incident that allegedly occurred on September 3, 2026, involving a small kitten that was being euthanized.
According to a witness who was present to assist with the procedure, the kitten was small enough that a procedure known as a “heart stick” was used to administer the euthanasia medication. The witness told investigators they observed the needle enter the kitten's heart and saw the needle moving with the kitten's heartbeat.
The witness then reported that, while the kitten was still alive, Howard inserted a second needle and syringe into the kitten's stomach and withdrew stomach fluid. According to the witness, Howard removed the syringe, allowing the fluid to spill onto the table. When questioned about the action, the witness said Howard laughed, stated he did not know why he had done it, and then re-injected the fluid into the kitten.
The witness told investigators that the medication used during the euthanasia procedure is a paralytic and that an animal may still be capable of experiencing pain even though it cannot physically react.
Another incident occurred in approximately May or June 2026. A dog that was scheduled to be euthanized escaped from the euthanasia room, and employees attempted to safely restrain the animal. A witness told investigators that while she was attempting to catch the dog with a catch pole, Howard approached and raised his catch pole above his head with both hands before striking the dog in the spine.
The witness reported that the dog temporarily became paralyzed, collapsed and began having a seizure. Another Animal Control employee reportedly witnessed the incident.
In another incident approximately 2 weeks ago, Howard became angry with a dog that was being restrained with a catch pole in the euthanasia room. According to the witness, Howard lifted the catch pole over his head with both hands and swung the dog, which was still attached to the pole, over his shoulder and onto the ground. The witness said the dog appeared stunned following the incident.
The witness also described other instances over the years in which Howard allegedly lost his temper with animals and handled them in an inhumane manner.
Howard was located at his residence and taken into custody. He was transported to the Bay County Jail.
Howard faces the following charges:
- Two counts of Animal Cruelty
- One count of Aggravated Animal Cruelty
“Bay County takes allegations involving employee conduct and the treatment of animals very seriously. We appreciate Sheriff Ford’s immediate assistance in investigating this matter. This former employee’s actions were deeply disturbing and inconsistent with the standards expected of any county employee, particularly one entrusted with animal care. The individual’s employment with Bay County was terminated Tuesday afternoon, and he was subsequently arrested. To be clear: this behavior is entirely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Bay County Manager Joel Schubert said.
“I am absolutely disgusted by the allegations against Mr. Howard and the way these animals were treated,” said Sheriff Tommy Ford. “Animals in the care of our community deserve to be treated with compassion and dignity, particularly when they are already vulnerable and relying on the people entrusted with their care. These allegations are extremely disturbing, and we take them very seriously. We will continue working closely with County Administration as this case moves forward.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
