Sheriff’s Office Arrests Animal Cruelty Suspects

On October 20, 2016, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office was called to conduct a well being check
on a family living at 7815 Babcock Street, Grant-Valkaria.
According to neighbors, the family had not been seen at the residence for approximately one
month. While investigating the call, deputies discovered the residence had been abandoned and
found two severely emaciated dogs in the backyard of the residence. Both dogs were near death
and one was unable to walk. Both dogs were immediately taken to the Brevard County Sheriff’s
Office South Area Care Center for emergency medical treatment by our staff Veterinarians. Based
on the horrific condition of the dogs, a Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty investigator
responded to the scene to begin an investigation.
Since being brought into the South Animal Care Center, both dogs have made remarkable
progress in their general condition and health. The dogs have been able to gain almost 35% of
their body weight back in just under two weeks. They have progressed from barely being able to
stand, to being playful, affectionate, and active dogs again. They are eating well now and are
being treated for several medical conditions. It is too early in their recovery to tell if there will be
any permanent medical issues as a result of their prolonged starvation, dehydration, and abuse
these poor pets suffered.

Over the past two weeks the investigation into this horrific case of severe animal cruelty has
continued and developed. Witnesses were interviewed and two suspects were identified.
Yesterday, agents secured arrest warrants, which were signed for the arrest of 38-year-old Daniel
Compton Puranda, of Palm Bay, and 36-year-old Catherine Oyuela, of Palm Bay.

Sheriff’s Office Arrests Animal Cruelty Suspects

Sheriff’s Office Arrests Animal Cruelty Suspects

Last night at approximately 9:00 p.m., both subjects were taken into custody without incident by
the Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Unit. Both subjects were booked into the Brevard County Jail for two
counts of Felony Cruelty to an Animal, and two misdemeanor counts of Unlawful Abandonment
of an Animal. Puranda is being held on a $21,000 bond, and Oyuela is has being held on a $16,000
bond.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to please contact Animal Services Specialist
Doug Scragg of Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services via the Sheriff’s Office
Communications Center at (321) 633-7162, or CRIMELINE at 1-800- 423-TIPS (8477), you can also
visit https://crimeline.org/, or text ‘crimeline’ plus your tip to CRIME (274637). All information to
CRIMELINE is confidential and you may be eligible for a reward.

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