Florida woman charged for performing fatal C-section on dog without anesthesia

A Florida woman is facing animal cruelty charges after investigators say she performed a Caesarean section on a dog without anesthesia, resulting in the dog's death.

According to Tampa Bay Times, Tampa resident Candace Patricia Hauser, 31, was arrested on a charge of aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation by Hillsborough County Animal Safety and Enforcement.

Investigators say that on March 4, a Polk County woman brought a pregnant mastiff to Hauser's home after Hauser insisted she could provide emergency medical help to deliver the puppies.

According to an arrest affidavit, Hauser, who does not have a veterinary license, performed a C-section on the dog without anesthesia after it had trouble delivering the last two puppies.

Following the procedure, Hauser used nonmedical glue to close the incision. The dog died later in its owner's car after the surgery.

Hauser has denied the allegations, saying the dog and its 10 puppies belong to her and that they are healthy. She claims nine puppies were deliverd at her home with one puppy delivered via C-section at a local veterinary hospital.

After being charged with aggravated animal cruelty, Hauser  was released on a $2,000 bond.

It was not clear whether she has an attorney.

[Neapolitan mastiff puppy on Shutterstock]