A woman living in a homeless camp in Wildwood has been arrested on a felony animal cruelty charge after her dog, Rocky, had to be euthanized due to severe heat exposure.
The tragic incident unfolded on the morning of June 16, when Wildwood police officers approached 45-year-old Rebecca June Foxworth and a male companion at their makeshift campsite in the city right-of-way near Lake Street and Rice Street. Officers instructed the pair to clean up the camp and remove their belongings.
During the interaction, Foxworth told officers she no longer wanted her black dog, Rocky, claiming the animal had become aggressive. To keep the dog out of the way during the cleanup, an officer suggested temporarily tying Rocky across the street, explicitly noting this was meant to be a short-term solution while they worked. Officers also provided Foxworth with information on how to properly surrender the dog to Animal Control.
However, when officers returned to the area that afternoon, they found Rocky suffering from a severe medical emergency. The dog was panting heavily, lethargic, and showing clear signs of heatstroke.
Foxworth offered police conflicting stories, initially claiming she had been cleaning the campsite—which officers noted appeared untouched—and later stating she had taken Rocky for a walk before he collapsed. The property owner at a nearby residence told police he had explicitly warned Foxworth and her companion to give the dog food and water.
Animal Control arrived at the scene, and Foxworth officially surrendered the dog.
Rocky was rushed to a local veterinarian, where his internal temperature registered a fatal 106 degrees. Veterinary staff immediately began cooling measures, but Rocky’s condition rapidly deteriorated. He began experiencing tremors and severe bloody diarrhea, indicating advanced organ damage.
Given the grave prognosis and the intense suffering caused by the hyperthermia, the veterinarian made the decision to humanely euthanize Rocky.
Following a review of the incident and the veterinarian’s report, a warrant was issued for Foxworth’s arrest, charging her with aggravated animal cruelty for failing to act and causing the dog unnecessary pain and suffering.
She was arrested June 25 and released the following day from the Sumter County Detention Center after posting $5,000 bond.