Lakeland Woman Accused of Performing Unlicensed Animal Surgeries, Dogs Found Living in Filthy Conditions: PCSO

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 35-year-old Lakeland resident Ashley Wimbrow on multiple charges after investigators say she illegally possessed Xylazine and performed unlicensed Veterinary procedures on dogs. Authorities were alerted when U.S. Customs intercepted a package from India containing 240 grams of the Veterinary sedative, commonly known as “tranq,” addressed to Wimbrow’s home. Detectives say Wimbrow admitted using Xylazine to sedate dogs while cropping ears and shortening tails, charging between $10 and $100 per procedure despite lacking a Florida Veterinary license.

During a search of the home, deputies found five “pocket bully” dogs confined in filthy crates covered in urine and feces, with a strong ammonia odor in the room. The dogs were surrendered and taken to Polk County Animal Control for evaluation and are expected to be available for adoption. Sheriff Grady Judd said no evidence of drug trafficking was found but condemned the unsafe surgeries and neglect. Wimbrow faces charges including possession of a controlled substance and animal neglect.