A dog is home safe after a family received AI photos showing an injured pet

As dogs, cats, and other pets increasingly take on the role of family members, some couples are planning for the possibility of a breakup before it ever happens. So-called “pet prenups” – agreements that spell out who gets custody of an animal and how expenses are handled – are gaining traction as a way to avoid costly and emotional disputes down the road.

News 6 has obtained body camera video from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office that shows a deputy arresting a 14-year-old boy accused of picking up a baby alligator and swinging it by its tail.

A Melbourne man was put behind bars this week after he was accused of beating up a chihuahua, according to the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.

Move aside, Jaws — there's a new shark in town. And he's got an unfortunate name.

A man was arrested on animal cruelty charges in Volusia County after police say two dogs, left in a truck for hours in a Walmart parking lot, died of apparent heat stroke.

A manatee’s journey from a storm drain to the open water captivated a community. And for one Melbourne Beach family, it became something even more personal.

A 14-year-old boy is facing a felony charge after Volusia County deputies say he was seen swinging a baby alligator by its tail and kicking it at a Stetson University facility.

Two people have now been arrested months after nearly 70 horses were seized from a Central Florida rescue, according to the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Many Florida residents may have seen these issues pop up at natural springs across the state. But researchers now say they may have figured out the solution.

It turns out the St. Johns River has its own version of Nessie — but the truth may not be as interesting.

Volunteers in Volusia County are sounding the alarm after a dramatic spike in stranded sea turtles washing ashore — and they need the public’s help.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge welcomed three red river hog piglets, born recently and currently thriving under the watchful eyes of the resort’s dedicated animal care team.

Sanford officials temporarily closed Paw Park to treat a surge of tussock caterpillars after reports of skin irritation and concerns about pet safety, with plans to reopen the park Friday afternoon.

We spent the day at the Avian Reconditioning Center (ARC) in Apopka getting up close with birds of prey—and seeing what it takes to rescue, rehab, and (hopefully) release some of the most intense animals in the state.

The $49 million investment is set to transform how animals and the people who care for them are supported in our community.

A new animal shelter in Orange County is officially underway. The shelter, which will cost $49 million, will be the largest in Florida at 123,419 square feet, and will have a much larger medical suite to help increase capacity for medical needs such as spay and neuter services.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission announced that the agency is looking into an infamous video that’s gone viral on social media.

A young manatee known as Melby is on the mend at SeaWorld Orlando, capturing the hearts of visitors and the Melbourne Beach community after a dramatic rescue from a storm drain left him in need of critical care.

Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando announced Wednesday that it will cut the ribbon on the new shelter on John Young Parkway on Saturday, March 28. The grand opening celebration will include a party starting at noon with live entertainment, food trucks, activities and adoptable dogs and cats.

Meet Don Jon, the “small but mighty” adoption pick from Trooper Steve on Patrol at Orange County Animal Services.

Deputies said surveillance video showed a man exiting a pickup, lifting a dog from the truck bed, placing the animal in a cardboard box, and tossing the box into a dumpster.

Volunteers at Apopka Birding Park spent a cloudy, damp morning spreading mulch, staking gopher tortoise burrows and clearing invasive plants as Orange Audubon Society moves closer to opening a nature center at the site.

I tried baby goat yoga at Wildflower Farm near Orlando. Here’s what to expect: from bottle-feeding and cuddles to tiny hooves on your back during yoga.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Wednesday for the Culler Pet Resource Center, which serves Flagler, Volusia, and Brevard Counties.

An Orange County toucan sighting has revived memories of some of Florida’s strangest escaped animals, including a king cobra found under a dryer.

Alondra Gonzalez, who works at Dermi Wax Center on Conroy Windermere Road in Orlando, told News 6 she saw a toucan and took photos and video while at work.

An Orlando man is facing animal-cruelty charges after being accused of abandoning a dog in a home after an eviction, according to an arrest-warrant affidavit.

A Merritt Island woman was jailed after she was seen viciously attacking a cat to “get back at” a family member over the weekend, according to Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

Florida residents are no strangers to invasive reptiles. But this 6-foot-long African lizard poses an especially big threat.

“I mean, if we can’t get together on puppies, what can we get together on?” People who abuse animals would be put on a public registry under a bill passed unanimously by the Florida Senate on Friday. The bill (SB 1004) will require the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to include information about people who violate animal cruelty laws on its website.

Dozens of dead fish and a strong odor raised concerns Wednesday evening at Newton Park along Lake Apopka, prompting questions from park visitors and a News 6 viewer who asked the station to investigate.

The report states that Florida had six cities near the top of this year's ranking.

Five animals and a worker were successfully evacuated from a pet daycare in Seminole County after the unit next door caught fire, according to the fire department.

Sandhill cranes may not trade chocolates or roses, but the tall, gray birds are among Florida’s most devoted romantics, forming long-term pair bonds that often last for life.

A husband and wife from Orlando were reportedly killed in a plane crash out of East Texas on Wednesday night.

A woman from Port Orange was arrested in a New Smyrna Beach animal-cruelty investigation, according to police.

CardiTee, Clawford, and Lilypad all arrived at SeaWorld Orlando as orphaned calves and have now reached the health and weight benchmarks needed to survive on their own.

The latest report may seem bad enough, but experts warn that there's something even worse yet to come.

The Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Festival brings in tourists from around the country, and they fill hotel rooms during a traditionally slow part of the season. But that success may be in jeopardy. Studies show there are fewer birds to watch.

After rescuers saved a 400 lb. manatee that was stuck in a storm drain, Melbourne Beach is now considering how to stop cold sea cows from swimming into drains.

One Florida man is putting an invasive species to good use — by turning them into tacos.

First responders rushed to a scene in Melbourne Beach on Monday afternoon after a manatee became stuck in a storm drain, state officials told News 6.

A new study from the University of Florida shows that two destructive termites are spreading much farther throughout the state than experts initially predicted.

An elderly woman's body was found in a field on Thursday afternoon, leading investigators to determine what caused her death, according to the Winter Haven Police Department.

The Florida Wildlife Hospital has embarked on a mission to safeguard one of the state’s most iconic birds-the Brown Pelican.

One of the most devastating parasites in Florida’s history has once again been detected in the Sunshine State.

A DeLand parrot sanctuary faces mounting utility costs as it struggles to keep more than 100 tropical birds warm during Florida's unusually cold winter.

Showing visible signs of stress on their shells and skin, the team’s goal is to stabilize and rehabilitate the turtles so they can be safely returned to their natural habitat once they are healthy and environmental conditions improve.

Deputies were called to an Orange County home after a deer crashed through a living room window before ending up in the kitchen, struggling to gain footing on the home’s tile floor.

You’ve likely heard about falling, frozen iguanas in Florida when temperatures drop — but what about cold-stunned turtles? Here's what to look out for.

Alligators may not like freezing temperatures either, but they have been coping with the cold far longer than we have. On Wednesday, our News 6 team visited Gatorland, known as the “alligator capital of the world,” to talk to the experts.

Two women who owned dogs that Volusia deputies say killed an 8-year-old boy in DeLand had a hearing today as they prepare for trial.

While no swans at Lake Eola have died from bird flu in the past week, Orlando officials say a dead bird infected with avian influenza has been found at nearby Lake Davis Park. Local volunteers argue this outbreak could indicate broader issues with swan care at the city’s iconic lake.

It’s a delightful scene: The first snow of the year falls, and you get your dog all suited up to venture outside for a walk.

Avian flu was reportedly present in a wild bird found dead at Lake Davis Park in Orlando, prompting a new warning from the city.

Right now, this massive shark has found its way back to the Sunshine State.

If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to your family or know someone who has, Brody could be the perfect fit.

These critters pose a huge threat to Florida — but you might not even see them.

Six animals died in a fire at a zoo in Panama City Beach.

Like many southern states, Florida has persistent problems with bedbugs, largely thanks to its warm humid climate and high levels of tourism.

Florida has plenty of alligators, though state officials have revealed just how many times they've attack people in the state.

The deaths come after an ongoing investigation that began in late December, when 21 bird deaths were initially reported.

Months after an alligator mauled a woman to death at Lake Kissimmee State Park, investigators have released a report detailing what exactly happened.

More swans have died at Lake Eola, and the city of Orlando has confirmed avian flu is responsible, raising growing concerns among residents who consider the birds a symbol of downtown.

A serendipitous encounter between a professional photographer and a jogger helped rescue a baby male dolphin near the jetty in New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday morning after the animal was being found visibly stressed.

Florida’s manatee mortality count surpassed 600 deaths in 2025, with Brevard County recording the most deaths, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Of the three restaurants forced to close a few days before Christmas, only one is located in Central Florida.

The year is nearly at a close, though 2025 certainly had its fair share of major headlines.

Two new animal-related laws aimed at protecting pets and giving owners more clarity are set to take effect in Florida starting Jan. 1.

The Lake County 4-H Goat Busters received a special call last month to help find an elusive goat that escaped from its owner’s property.

An Orange County community that’s become infested with invasive chameleons may show signs of an even bigger problem.

SeaWorld announced Sunday that Katina, one of its “beloved” killer whales, has died at age 50 after a period of declining health.

Days after the horses were first reported stolen, the Volusia Sheriff's Office said that investigators have pinned an undocumented immigrant from Cuba as the suspect.

The group Speak Up for Wildlife says they have reports of people killing Florida black bears without proper permits during the state hunt. News 6 asked state officials for an update on the hunt, but were referred to public records requests.

Summer barbecues, birthday parties, winter holiday dinners — all these food-focused celebrations are prime times for dogs to chow down on something that doesn’t agree with them.

After “Sloth Fever” began spreading into Central Florida last year, experts with the University of Florida say they’ve managed a huge breakthrough in their research.

Dawn, the Yorkshire pig, is quite tasty. But don’t worry. She’s doing perfectly fine, traipsing around a sanctuary in upstate New York.

A woman is suing Universal Studios after she was attacked by a security dog during a visit last year, according to court records filed on Wednesday.

Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputies teamed up with trappers on Tuesday to safely capture and remove a 10-foot alligator.

Florida is four days into its 2025 Black Bear Hunt, but we still don’t know how many bears have been harvested, or even if any hunters have bagged a single bear yet.

Opening in February 2026, the world’s first and only "Slotharium" offers guests a guided, small-group experience inside a rainforest-style habitat where sloths live freely among lush trees, vines, and natural climbing structures

From Dec. 6 through Dec. 28, hunters who received a permit will be able to harvest black bears on private property, with permission of the property owner, and in specified Bear Harvest Zones.

Deputies in Sarasota County had their hands full wrangling a 14-foot long alligator that appeared to be in the middle of the road.

Our News 6 team submitted a public records request to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission to find out how many people applied, how many entries they submitted, and who actually got one of the 172 permits for the bear hunt.

Florida is well known for its alligators, but what some people might not know is that a certain type of crocodilian in the Sunshine State has actually achieved world records.

City leaders are giving Winter Park and Orange County residents a chance to weigh in on coyote safety.

An undocumented immigrant is in custody after she reportedly threw coffee at a mother, her child and their dog last week, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

A popular mushroom could jeopardize Florida's environment if it gets released into the wild, according to an expert with the University of Florida.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is urging a state judge to deny a request to stop the black bear hunt scheduled for December.

November is Manatee Awareness Month, highlighting a time when Florida’s manatees are starting their seasonal movements to warmer waters around the state.

As families struggle with food insecurity and rely on SNAP benefits, many face an additional challenge: feeding their beloved pets.

Animal control officers rescued 41 dogs from an Orange City home Wednesday after concerned neighbors alerted authorities about the animals’ welfare.

Researchers have found that shouting is more effective than speaking when trying to scare off seagulls.

After an 8-year-old boy was killed by dogs in a DeLand neighborhood earlier this year, his family is now taking the local homeowners’ association to court.

Commissioners on Thursday approved a measure to allow backyard chickens within city limits, though it comes with some caveats.

The reimagined Lion & Hyena Ridge spans nearly 35,000 square feet of dynamic savanna terrain. It will be home to a pride of five young male lions, and a pair of playful hyenas.

Starting Dec. 1, dog owners will have a new place to enjoy the sand and surf in Daytona Beach.

Dogs love toys. Whether it’s that first stuffie they get as a puppy or the ratty old relic they still drag around as a senior dog, they are absolutely devoted.

Living and working in Florida means the wildest of wildlife showing up at your back door. So when our News 6 Insiders Kara Moeller and Joey Manna set up a trail cam at Bay Lake in our backyard, they knew the video could be interesting.