Witnesses perform CPR on dog at Volusia park

Woman faces charges after dog loses consciousness at beach

PONCE INLET, Fla. – A Volusia County woman is facing animal cruelty charges after her dog became unconscious at a Ponce Inlet park. 

Witnesses described the dog owner as demonic, intentionally trying to drown her dog on Wednesday afternoon.

The nine-year-old cocker spaniel, named Gracie, is now alive and alert thanks to two men. Authorities said 71-year-old Marilynne Jones tried drowning her own dog.

"She brought her dog into the water. Witnesses stated that the dog became lifeless and water was crashing over the dog's head," said Captain Tammy Marris, Beach Safety Patrol.

It happened at the dog park in Ponce Inlet. One man took the lifeless dog to safety, while the other man frantically called 911. The men administered CPR and waited for lifeguards and deputies to arrive.

"She seemed unaffected by it. She didn't answer any of our questions. Witnesses had to take the dog from her out of the water," said Capt. Marris.

Jones faced a judge on Wednesday, laughing and joking around when she had to wear headphones so she could hear. She's charged with felony cruelty to animals and is being held on a $1,500 bond.

A judge ordered her to have a mental health evaluation if she doesn't bond out of jail.

As for Gracie, she's expected to make a full recovery.


About the Authors:

Loren Korn is a native Texan who joined the News 6 team as a reporter in May 2014. She was born and raised in Houston and graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a degree in Journalism.

Cathleigh is a newscast producer and has been with News 6 since 2014. She graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in communications, with a focus in broadcast journalism. Cathleigh produces the 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. newscasts.