PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — A 911 dispatcher in Putnam County has been dismissed following her arrest on charges related to animal cruelty, as reported by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities indicated that 22-year-old Brianna Allender was on duty when the Palatka Police Department informed the sheriff’s office earlier today about an ongoing investigation concerning her. Allender was promptly removed from her post and placed on administrative leave. Subsequently, she agreed to speak with detectives from the Palatka Police Department.

After her arrest, Allender was terminated in line with the sheriff’s office policy. Officials noted that she had been employed with the agency for around a year.

The Palatka Police Department is leading the investigation, as the alleged incident occurred within their jurisdiction. The department is expected to release further details as the case progresses.

“This situation deeply saddens me,” Sheriff H.D. ‘Gator’ DeLoach said in a statement. “As an avid dog lover, I cannot fathom the idea of someone abandoning their dogs. We are a family here at the sheriff’s office, we have a working relationship with Animal Control and there are resources we could have provided if help had been requested. These animals should not have had to suffer.”

The sheriff’s office says it fully supports the ongoing investigation.