FRANKLIN COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies in Franklin County say a Clearwater woman is facing charges after a baffling incident that left a local hunter without his entire pack of prized Walker Hounds.
According to the sheriff’s office, 35 year old Mia Jasa traveled from Clearwater to Carrabelle on November 19 and ended up on the property of hunter Tanner Moses. Investigators said Jasa, who recently moved to Florida from Bosnia, opened every kennel on Moses’ place and released ten of his dogs. The group included four young pups, a pregnant female, and several well trained adults.
Sheriff A.J. Smith said the value of the dogs goes far beyond the money invested. “These dogs mean a lot to the folks who raise them. They’re cared for, worked with, and in many cases raised from the day they’re born. There’s a lot of sentimental value in that.”
Moses said he even spoke with Jasa just moments before discovering what happened. “I asked her if she’d been on my property, and she told me no,” he said. “Then I found every kennel open and all the dogs gone.”
Eight of the hounds were eventually recovered. Two managed to reach Highway 98, where they were struck and killed. Moses said losing the dogs was heartbreaking for him and his boys. “It’s tough seeing dogs you raised from day one get killed. Me and my oldest son had to bury two of them. That’s something you don’t forget.”
Sheriff Smith called the case unusual and said investigators still don’t understand why Jasa did it. She’s charged with grand theft after deputies said at least one of the dogs was found in her vehicle. She was later released on a small bond of $250.
Deputies say the investigation is ongoing as they work to determine what led up to the release of the dogs.
Do you think the charges are enough for something like this, or should the penalties be tougher?
