A Miami-Dade County woman faces an animal cruelty charge after authorities rescued a small dachshund found trapped inside a hot sport utility vehicle in Key Largo on Thursday evening.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested 20-year-old I Yahna Michelle Leon-Yancy on July 2, 2026, following a citizen complaint.
Deputies responded to the animal cruelty call at approximately 6:11 p.m. on Transylvania Avenue. Upon arrival, they located what appeared to be a small dachshund locked inside a Nissan SUV. According to officials, the vehicle’s engine was turned off, and the windows were closed. The dog was actively barking, panting heavily, and showing visible signs of physical distress.
To rescue the animal, deputies utilized a vehicle-lock tool to open the SUV. Law enforcement officials estimated that the vehicle’s internal temperature exceeded 100 degrees at the time of entry.
Once removed from the SUV, the dog was moved into an air-conditioned environment and provided with water. Statements from witnesses at the scene indicated that the dog had been left unattended in the vehicle for an hour or more.
During questioning, Leon-Yancy admitted to deputies that she forgot the dog was inside the vehicle. Following her admission, she was taken into custody and transported to the local jail.
The South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was notified of the incident and took custody of the dachshund. No further information regarding the dog’s current health status or Leon-Yancy’s bond has been released.
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