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LEHIGH ACRES, Florida (WBBH) — A Lehigh Acres woman is facing two felony charges after the Lee County Sheriff’s Office says a homeowner watched her allegedly abuse and sexually assault his dog through a Ring doorbell camera while he was at work.
Angel Bianca Santiago, 36, was arrested Monday and faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty and sexual contact with an animal, according to LCSO.
The dog’s owner, who asked Gulf Coast News not to identify him, said he received a Ring notification while he was at work and immediately opened the live feed from his home.
“It’s pretty traumatic. It was definitely rough seeing my dogs being treated like that,” he said.
The owner said what he saw prompted him to call 911 immediately.
“I didn’t know if the little guy was even going to be alive by the sounds and noises I was hearing on the video,” he said.
According to the arrest report, deputies responded to the home on Leroy Avenue off Leeland Heights Boulevard in Lehigh Acres after the owner reported seeing Santiago physically abusing his dog, Tobey, through the home’s Ring camera.
Investigators say the video showed two of the owner’s dogs, Tobey, a 7- to 8-year-old Catahoula mix, and Meaty, a 7- to 8-year-old Border Collie mix, involved in what appeared to be a fight before Santiago intervened.
Rather than separating the dogs, detectives allege Santiago reportedly grabbed Tobey by the tail while he was on the ground and repeatedly punched him. The arrest report states Santiago then was accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting the dog while restraining him, kicked him in the head multiple times and stomped on his head before the video ended.
The sheriff’s office says Tobey could be seen whining, wincing, trying to pull away and showing visible signs of pain, fear and distress throughout the incident.
Animal Cruelty investigators later examined Tobey and observed an abrasion on the right side of his face. Deputies said both Tobey and Meaty were taken to Lee County Domestic Animal Services for veterinary evaluations.
“They’re like my kids, you know? They’re my little ones,” the owner said.
According to the arrest report, detectives attempted to interview Santiago, but she was uncooperative before being transported to the hospital after complaining of chest pains. After she was medically cleared, she was booked into the Lee County Jail.
Neighbors told Gulf Coast News they’ve had repeated issues at the home over the years, while the dog’s owner said he hopes Santiago is held accountable.
“I hope justice is served and she does time and is not able to come back,” he said.
This is not Santiago’s first arrest. She has a lengthy criminal history, including a 2022 arrest for misusing 911, during which she reportedly threatened to kill puppies.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has not yet released the Ring camera video. Gulf Coast News has requested a copy.
Count on Gulf Coast News for any updates to this investigation.
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