A Martin County woman is facing felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges after deputies discovered 36 dogs living in unsanitary conditions inside her Palm City home. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and spent much of the afternoon removing the animals, which ranged from puppies to adult border collies.
Conditions Described as ‘Deplorable’
Investigators wore hazmat suits as they worked to retrieve the dogs. According to Sheriff John Budensiek, the animals were in deplorable conditions, with food and water bowls covered in feces. The dogs themselves were also covered in feces, making it difficult for investigators to remove them.
A neighbor, Tessa Nabors, expressed hope that the situation would lead to change, saying the homeowner should not be subjecting animals to such conditions. The homeowner, Paige O’Donnell, was previously an AKC breeder and had undergone treatment for alcohol abuse between 2020 and 2022.
The 36 dogs removed from the home will be taken to the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast. O’Donnell is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
