Police in Liberty County are searching for Stephanie-Anne Cantu after a disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty.
Authorities responded to a call on February 10, where they found multiple decaying and malnourished dogs at a residence in Hinesville.
The Details
Liberty County deputies were called to a home on East B. Cooper Highway around 6:11 p.m. after Kaidin Chandler requested law enforcement assistance to retrieve his belongings. Chandler, who had recently returned from military deployment, was unable to reach Cantu and became concerned after seeing the condition of one of his dogs through a window.
Cantu is Chandler’s wife. They are separated.
Upon entering the home, authorities found trash, feces, and multiple dead animals. A strong odor of decay led them to a decomposed dog under a grill. Inside the home, they discovered another dead dog in a kennel and what appeared to be the remains of two small animals, possibly puppies. Only one dog was found alive but severely malnourished and covered in fleas.
The Investigation
Chandler told police he had been unable to contact Cantu for weeks and believed she had been staying with a friend in Ludowici. Cantu later told officers over the phone that she had been gone for about a week and had arranged for someone to feed the animals. She claimed the batteries in the home’s electronic door lock had died, preventing access.
Liberty County Animal Control took custody of the surviving dog. The case has been turned over to the Criminal Investigations Division.
What’s Next
Cantu is wanted for questioning regarding four counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and additional counts of cruelty to animals. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office.
⚠️ Reminder: Crime articles contain only charges and information from police reports and law enforcement statements. Suspects and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
