Georgia Woman Accused of Letting Four Dogs Die After Abandoning Deployed Soldier Husband

A Fort Stewart soldier returned home from deployment to find his home trashed, his dogs dead or severely neglected, and his wife gone. The disturbing discovery has led to the arrest of 31-year-old Stephanie-Ann Michelle Cantu on multiple counts of animal cruelty.

The soldier, whose name has not been released, told deputies he had been unable to reach Cantu for some time and was not met at his return. After finding alternative transportation, he arrived at his home and noticed the locks had been changed. Looking through the window, he saw a filthy interior, feces on the floor, and what appeared to be a lifeless dog.

Fearing the worst, he called police. Deputies responded to the home, and while on scene, contacted Cantu by phone. She claimed she had been staying with a friend in Ludowici, Georgia, for about a week and said “someone” was supposed to feed the dogs. She told deputies the person had been unable to access the home due to dead batteries on the electronic lock.

Animal Control was called to the scene. The soldier made forced entry through the garage, where responding personnel were immediately overwhelmed by a foul odor. A decomposed dog was found under a grill in the garage.

Animal Control entered through the front and secured one living but malnourished dog. Inside the residence, they located another dead dog in a kennel and what appeared to be the remains of two small animals, believed to be puppies. In total, four deceased animals were discovered.

Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Detective Ranisate and Animal Control took over the case. Cantu was charged with multiple counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and cruelty to animals. She was booked into the Liberty County Jail following the issuance of arrest warrants.