Former Animal Control Employee Arrested on Cruelty Charges in Panama City

PANAMA CITY — A former Bay County Animal Control employee faces multiple animal cruelty charges following an investigation by the Bay County Sheriff's Office. Cameron Howard, 36, of Panama City, was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2026.

Howard faces two counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty. The Sheriff's Office launched the investigation after receiving an anonymous report alleging Howard abused and tortured animals and bragged about his actions. Howard was terminated from Bay County Animal Control the day before his arrest.

Investigators cited two specific incidents. On Sept. 3, 2026, Howard was involved in the euthanasia of a kitten. A witness assisting in the procedure stated Howard used a "heart stick" to administer medication directly into the kitten's heart. While the kitten was still alive, Howard allegedly used a second needle to withdraw stomach fluid. When questioned, Howard reportedly laughed and said he did not know why he did it. Investigators noted the euthanasia medication is a paralytic, meaning an animal may still experience pain even if unable to react physically.

Approximately two weeks before Howard's arrest, authorities reported he became angry with a dog restrained by a catch pole. Investigators stated Howard lifted the pole overhead, swung the animal over his shoulder and threw it to the ground. In May or June 2026, a dog scheduled for euthanasia escaped a room. As employees attempted to restrain it, a witness told investigators that while she tried to corral the dog with a catch pole, Howard used his own catch pole to strike the animal in the spine.

Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford stated, "I am absolutely disgusted by the allegations against Mr. Howard and the way these animals were treated. Animals in the care of our community deserve to be treated with compassion and dignity, particularly when they are already vulnerable and relying on the people entrusted with their care. These allegations are extremely disturbing, and we take them very seriously. We will continue working closely with County Administration as this case moves forward."

The investigation into the allegations remains active.