CLAY COUNTY — Months after receiving a report alleging several juveniles had attempted to drown a puppy at the Middleburg Boat Ramp, the Clay County Sheriff's Office has learned that the incident was completely made up.

Sheriff Michelle Cook took to Facebook on Monday to announce that Zachary and Amber Manning may face charges after they concocted a story about a group of children abusing "Ghost the dog" in order to gain sympathy from their landlord who had a strict no-dog policy.

Cook said the Mannings were at the ramp when they came across a person with the puppy. Amber told the owner that the two would love to have one similar for their children. The owner, who was looking to rehome Ghost, asked if the two wanted the puppy.

They agreed. And knowing that their landlord would not allow a dog in their house, they made up the story of abuse in hopes that the landlord would be sympathetic and allow them to keep the puppy.

The disturbing abuse allegation was taken seriously by CCSO, who spent hundreds of hours canvasing the neighborhood and interviewing potential witnesses. 

Ghost passed away from natural causes shortly after the incident was alleged, as determined by an autopsy. Money from a GoFundMe set up by a third party was used to help pay for Ghost's vet bills in an attempt to save him.

Cook said CCSO is currently working with the State Attorney's Office to hold the perpetrators accountable for lying to law enforcement — which is considered a serious felony crime.

Cook thanked members of the public for their help in getting answers.

"To all of the citizens who reached out with potential information, witness information, who in their heart really thought they were helping, I want to say thank you for coming forward. You gave us a lot of leads to follow up on."