OKEECHOBEE — An Okeechobee woman was charged with causing cruel suffering and death after reportedly allowing five dogs to go unfed and unwatered for an extended period of time.

Natasha Thompson, 34, Southeast 13th Avenue, was arrested April 20 by Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Tullio after an investigation was launched in January. According to a report by Deputy Bryan Holden, he was assigned to the case in February after City Police Officer Dawn Wendt was dispatched to the home in reference to an animal cruelty complaint. When she arrived, she found a female terrier locked in a cage with no food or water. The dog was unresponsive, gasping for air and emaciated. They were unable to save the dog, and she was put to sleep by animal control.

Four additional dogs were located out in the back yard. When the owner was contacted, she reportedly said she had moved out temporarily but had made arrangements for a child to go over and feed the dogs every day. When questioned, the child said he was asked to feed the dogs but did not do it every day. As the adult in charge of the animals, Thompson was arrested. Her bond was set at $500.