Pet sitter acquitted in Sunny Isles Beach animal cruelty case after dog's death

A pet sitter accused of neglecting multiple animals in Sunny Isles Beach, leading to the death of one dog, has been found not guilty, CBS News Miami has confirmed.

Antonella Rivoir, now 22, was acquitted by a jury on March 12 on two felony counts of animal cruelty with intent to injure. Court records show the verdict cleared her on both counts, and the case has since been closed.

Rivoir had been arrested in 2023 following an investigation into the condition of several pets left in her care while their owner was on vacation.

According to police at the time, the Sunny Isles Beach homeowner had hired Rivoir to care for five dogs and a cat for about a month, providing instructions on feeding and medication. The owner later reported concerns after being unable to access home surveillance cameras on some days.

When a housekeeper entered the apartment days before the owner's return, she found the home in poor condition, with animal waste throughout and several dogs appearing underweight, police said.

Two Pomeranians, identified as Daisy, 8, and Lucy, 13, were rushed to a veterinarian. Daisy later died, while Lucy survived after treatment for severe dehydration and other injuries, according to investigators.

Rivoir was later taken into custody in September 2023.

Following a trial, a jury ultimately found her not guilty on all charges.