Dog Found Dead in Wired-Shut Cage. Now a Naples Father and Daughter Face Felony Charges.

Four months after deputies discovered a 2-year-old dog named Sparkle dead in a backyard cage, a second person has been arrested. Investigators say the dog was confined in extreme heat without access to food or water.

November 4, 2026 | Naples News Now

She was just 2 years old.

And when Collier County sheriff's deputies arrived at a Naples home in June, they discovered her dead inside an outdoor cage secured so tightly with metal wire that it took more than 30 minutes to open.

Now, four months later, a second arrest has been made in connection with her death.

Remy Deshomme, 47, of Naples, was arrested Wednesday, October 28, and charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty, according to the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

His daughter, 23-year-old Jessica Deshomme, who authorities identified as Sparkle's legal owner, was arrested in September on the same charge.

Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

But details emerging from the investigation paint a disturbing picture of what authorities say happened in the months before Sparkle died.

The investigation began June 27, when deputies responded to a home on 43rd Street Southwest in the Golden Gate area after receiving a report of a dead dog in the backyard.

There, they found Sparkle inside an outdoor cage.

According to investigators, the cage door had been fastened shut with metal wire at multiple points, preventing the animal from getting out.

Deputies reported finding no food or water available to the dog and no adequate protection from Florida's summer heat.

The cage was so tightly secured that deputies and animal control officers spent more than 30 minutes trying to open it and recover Sparkle.

But investigators say the conditions they discovered that day were not necessarily an isolated incident.

According to court documents described by the Naples Daily News, neighbors told investigators that Sparkle had repeatedly been confined in the outdoor cage, during both daytime and nighttime, over several months.

They described the dog being left outside through varying weather conditions.

One witness reportedly recorded cellphone video showing Sparkle still alive inside the cage, panting heavily, before authorities were contacted.

Investigators also documented sections of the cage that appeared bent, which they believed could indicate the dog had attempted to escape.

These accounts form part of the evidence described in the criminal investigation. The allegations have not yet been adjudicated in court.

For investigators, one central question was why Sparkle had been confined in those conditions.

According to the Sheriff's Office, detectives concluded that Remy Deshomme had intentionally secured the cage because the dog had become a nuisance inside the home.

Authorities allege that he used metal wire to fasten the door and prevent Sparkle from escaping.

Following Sparkle's death, a necropsy was performed to determine what may have caused it.

A necropsy is the animal equivalent of a human autopsy.

According to investigators, the examination found that Sparkle's death was consistent with acute heat stress and hyperthermia, associated with confinement without access to water.

Hyperthermia occurs when an animal's body temperature rises dangerously high and its cooling mechanisms can no longer adequately regulate the heat.

The examination also identified gastrointestinal hemorrhage, which investigators described as a contributing or potentially independent factor.

That distinction is important: The necropsy findings support investigators' concerns about heat exposure, but the reported medical findings do not establish heat stress as the sole possible cause of death.

The examination became part of the evidence in the continuing animal cruelty investigation.

The first arrest came in September.

Jessica Deshomme, 23, identified by authorities as Sparkle's legal owner, was charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.

But investigators did not close the case following her arrest.

The Sheriff's Office continued examining the circumstances surrounding Sparkle's confinement and death.

On October 28, deputies arrested her father, Remy Deshomme, 47, on the same felony charge.

The Sheriff's Office publicly announced the second arrest the following day.

The two arrests involve allegations arising from the same investigation, but each defendant's criminal responsibility must be determined separately.

As of the latest reporting, neither arrest establishes a finding of guilt.

According to the Naples Daily News, Remy Deshomme's arraignment is scheduled for November 23, while Jessica Deshomme has a case management conference scheduled for December 10.

Court schedules may change.

Florida law addresses animal cruelty under Section 828.12 of the Florida Statutes.

Aggravated animal cruelty generally involves conduct that intentionally causes a cruel death or excessive or repeated unnecessary pain or suffering to an animal.

It's a serious felony offense.

But not every instance of inadequate animal care automatically constitutes aggravated animal cruelty. The facts, circumstances, evidence, and applicable legal standards determine whether criminal charges are appropriate.

The Collier County Sheriff's Office urges residents to report suspected abuse or neglect rather than waiting for conditions to become life-threatening.

Warning signs can include animals without adequate food, water, shelter, or medical care; animals kept in extreme temperatures; and visible signs of dehydration, malnourishment, or distress.

Florida's heat makes those concerns particularly important.

An animal left outdoors without adequate water, shade, or ventilation can face dangerous conditions even when temperatures seem manageable to people.

The Sheriff's Office encourages residents to speak up when they believe an animal is being abused or neglected.

If abuse is happening now or an animal is in immediate danger, call 911.

For suspected cruelty or neglect that does not involve an immediate emergency, residents can contact the Collier County Sheriff's Office at 239-252-9300.

Anonymous reports can be submitted through the CCSO tips line at 239-775-TIPS (8477) or by emailing [email protected].

Residents can also contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 1-800-780-TIPS (8477). Eligible tips may qualify for a reward.

The Sheriff's Office emphasizes that residents do not need to prove a crime has occurred before reporting a reasonable suspicion.

Investigators can evaluate the circumstances and determine whether intervention is warranted.

Sparkle's death has now resulted in two felony arrests.

Investigators allege that the young dog was repeatedly confined in an outdoor cage and that the cage had been deliberately wired shut.

The medical examination identified findings consistent with severe heat stress, while the criminal cases against both defendants remain pending.

The legal process will determine whether either defendant is guilty of the charges.

But the case also raises a broader question for the community.

When an animal appears to be suffering, how quickly should someone intervene?

The Sheriff's Office's message is clear: Report suspected abuse or neglect promptly.

Because animals cannot call for help themselves.

And sometimes, a concerned neighbor may be the only person who can.

Sources: Collier County Sheriff's Office statements reported by WBBH/Gulf Coast News Now, October 29, 2026; Naples Daily News/The News-Press, reporting by Tomas Rodriguez, October 29, 2026; Collier County Sheriff's Office, Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance and official reporting guidance.

Editor's note: All criminal allegations are attributed to law enforcement and reported court documents. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Court dates are subject to change.