Cuban Man Arrested in Florida After Ten Puppies Found Locked Inside Vehicle

A 52-year-old man of Cuban descent was taken into custody in Lehigh Acres, Lee County, Florida, following the discovery of ten puppies confined in a vehicle parked in his garage. The puppies were found without access to food or water and in unsanitary conditions.

The individual, identified as Erick de Jesús Canoura, was apprehended on Tuesday, November 10, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO). Canoura's Cuban roots were confirmed by CiberCuba. He was already listed in the Lee County Animal Abuser Registry due to previous incidents involving dogs.

Investigation Triggered by Puppy Sale Ad

Despite restrictions against him, Canoura was linked by investigators to a Craigslist ad offering puppies for sale. The investigation commenced when authorities noticed the online post. This led to a coordinated operation between the Sheriff's Special Animal Cruelty Unit and Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS), with participation from Second District officers and detectives.

Upon arriving at Canoura's Lehigh Acres home, he initially denied possessing any puppies. However, as reported by WFLA, an officer claimed to hear dogs inside, prompting Canoura to allow a search. Investigators discovered a Chevrolet Suburban in a closed garage with ten puppies inside, only a single window partially open. The puppies appeared distressed, were panting heavily, and were covered in urine and feces, without any food or water available.

Puppies Rescued and Given Veterinary Care

Due to the vehicle's condition and the puppies' state, they were immediately rescued. Reports indicated the temperature inside the vehicle reached 83.3 degrees Fahrenheit (around 28.5 degrees Celsius). The puppies were transported to Lee County Domestic Animal Services for veterinary evaluation. A bodycam video captured part of the rescue operation and preparations for the puppies' transfer.

Authorities withheld details on the puppies' exact ages, breeds, or if any required additional medical treatment. Following the rescue, further investigation by Second District detectives and the Special Animal Cruelty Unit led to a search warrant being executed at Canoura's residence, uncovering more evidence linking him to the puppies and their sale. As a result, Canoura was charged with animal cruelty, animal confinement without adequate provisions, and violating a county ordinance.

Sheriff Condemns Animal Cruelty

Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno condemned the conditions in which the puppies were found, pledging ongoing action against animal abusers. "These puppies were subjected to appalling conditions, which is something I will never tolerate in Lee County," Marceno stated, as reported by Telemundo 51. "Our Special Animal Cruelty Unit will continue collaborating with our Domestic Animal Services partners to ensure those who mistreat or neglect defenseless animals are held accountable."

History of Animal Abuse and Legal Restrictions

Canoura had previously faced investigations related to animal abuse in Florida. In December 2021, he was arrested in Miami-Dade County after 31 dogs, including 30 puppies and one adult, were found in a garage under unsanitary conditions. The animals were confined in stacked cages, surrounded by feces and urine, in a dark area; two were found in a cooler.

Between 2022 and 2024, Canoura received at least seven administrative citations for animal treatment in Lee County. He was arrested again in September 2024 after five dogs were found in similar conditions near his Lehigh Acres home. In January 2025, Canoura pled guilty to two misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, resulting in probation and restrictions on owning animals. He was also placed on the Lee County Animal Abuser Registry, established by Ordinance 23-30 in December 2023.

This new inquiry began after authorities linked Canoura, already on the registry, to a puppy sale ad. Besides charges related to the animals' condition, Canoura faces an additional accusation for violating a county ordinance.