Three Dogs Die in Camper After Owner’s Fatal Attack

Animal Cruelty Investigation Unfolds at Bluebonnet Boulevard

A 57‑year‑old man, Donnell Smith, is now facing serious animal cruelty charges after police discovered three dogs rotting in his camper on Bluebonnet Boulevard—a property once owned by Jodi Cowan, who was tragically killed on May 19 when two loose dogs attacked her while she walked her own dog.

Timeline of Events

• June 11 – Police received a tip about a foul odor emanating from Smith’s camper.
• A search warrant was obtained, and officers entered the vehicle.
• Inside, they found three dead dogs with no food, water, or ventilation; the trailer lacked air conditioning.
• Smith claimed the smell was from a dog he had buried, but evidence later revealed that after Cowan’s death he had been caring for four dogs and had stopped checking on them. One dog survived—this was the same one Cowan was attempting to protect when she was attacked.

Legal Consequences

• Smith is charged with aggravated felony animal cruelty, confinement without sufficient food or water, lack of air, and abandonment.
• Additional charges may be added as the investigation continues.
• Smith was booked into Brevard County Jail on a $15,000 bond.

Additional Charges

• Linda Cutler, a neighbor who owned the dogs that attacked Cowan and was aware of their potential to escape or bite, faces a manslaughter charge.
• The sheriff’s office stated that Cutler’s failure to secure the animals contributed directly to the tragedy.

Current Status

• The sheriff’s office reports that more dogs have died due to this neglect.
• The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to uncover the full extent of the abuse and any other potential victims.