Mariana Costeno

Name:
Costeno, Mariana Isabel

Date of Booking:
06/17/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]

On June 16, 2025, I, Officer Shirley, responded to [200 BLOCK] Glen Meadows Circle in reference to an animal welfare check. Dispatch advised that the caller reported a small white dog had been left outside since Saturday (June 14), exposed to excessive heat and stormy weather, with minimal to no care. The caller expressed concern that the dog appeared to be in distress due to the ongoing weather conditions.

Upon arrival, I attempted to make contact at the residence, but there was no answer. I proceeded to the backyard and observed a small white dog tethered to a short leash attached to a ground stake in the middle of the yard. The dog had no access to shelter, as the only covered area was an overhang attached to the house that was out of reach of the tether.

I observed two overturned bowls near the dog one had spilled food on the ground beside it, and the other contained no water. The dog was panting heavily, with its tongue hanging out, and appeared to be overheated and dehydrated.

Animal Control responded to the scene and confirmed the dog was visibly dehydrated and overheated.

While on scene, a voice began speaking through a camera system mounted on the residence, yelling at us to get off the property. I identified myself through the camera and explained that we were conducting a welfare check on the animal. The female, later identified as Mariana Costeno, stated the dog was fine and that her sister was caring for it. She asked me to contact her by phone.

I called Costeno, who advised she had been out of town since Saturday and was currently over three hours away. She confirmed the dog stays outside and that her sister, [REDACTED], checks on the dog twice daily between 9:00-10:00 AM and 7:00-8:00 PM. I attempted to contact [REDACTED] but was unable to reach her.

Weather Conditions (June 14-16, 9 AM to 8 PM): Highs: 89-90°F daily Lows: 76°F Humidity: High, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms UV Index: Peaked at 7 each day, which is classified as “High” risk for heat related stress.

These environmental conditions presented a dangerous setting for prolonged exposure, especially for a dog with no shelter, no water, and restricted movement.

Based on the totality of circumstances including observed lack of shelter, overturned food and water bowls, visible signs of heat related distress, absence of the owner for over three days, failure to provide adequate daily care, and the dangerous environmental conditions (heat index, UV exposure, humidity) I have probable cause to believe that Mariana Costeno committed the offense of Cruelty to Animals, 16-12-4(b).

Although the dog was reported to be under the care of [REDACTED], the primary responsibility for the animal’s welfare remains with the owner, Mariana Costeno, who had video surveillance of the dog and reasonable ability to intervene or ensure proper care was provided.

Animal Control contacted me shortly after I left the residence and advised that, after providing the dog with water, the dog urinated blood. The dog (Toby) is being taken to the vet immediately for examination.

Body worn camera footage uploaded to Evidence.com

Photographs taken of the dog, tether location, overturned bowls, and lack of shelter.

[End of Narrative]