SOUTH DAYTONA, Fla. -- Authorities in Florida and Connecticut are investigating a case of alleged animal abuse after a woman posted a photo on Facebook of a dog with its mouth taped shut alongside the caption "This is what happens when you dont [sic] shut up!!!"
The photo was shared more than 270,000 times as of about 3 p.m. MT Saturday, and the City of South Daytona posted a series of updates on their Facebook page thanking concerned citizens for their efforts but asking people to stop calling, as the reports were beginning to overwhelm dispatch. South Daytona referred to the incident as a case of animal abuse and stated they were working to locate the woman so police could speak with her.
Katie Brown, the woman who posted the photo, later made a second post defending her actions, stating: "Dont panic everyone it was only for a minute but hasnt barked since... POINT MADE!!!"
While the woman's location was listed by Facebook as being in South Daytona, the city posted later Saturday stating their investigation determined the woman left that area more than a year ago and now resides in Avon, Connecticut. South Daytona stated they have turned the case over to authorities in that area.
Torrington Animal Control, based in Connecticut, stated an animal cruelty investigation is underway, but they stated that they believe the woman no longer resides in Connecticut and that, "All new, and pertinent information that we get is being immediately forward to Daytona PD as that is where the suspect is believed to be living/heading."
South Daytona has yet to make any posts addressing the new development from Torrington Animal Control.
FOX 13 News will have more information as it becomes available.
