A Palm City woman, once well known in the Border Collie community, is now facing 72 animal cruelty charges after investigators found 36 dogs living inside her home. Paige O’Donnell, a former American Kennel Club breeder, was arrested after deputies discovered the dogs inside a home on Alligator Street.

Conditions of the Dogs

Investigators say the animals were living in conditions covered in urine and feces. The dogs’ coats were severely matted, and authorities raised concerns about their health and their future.

People who knew O’Donnell through the AKC and Border Collie communities say the woman at the center of the case is not the person they remember. Sarah Slaughter, an AKC judge who knew O’Donnell, described her as well-respected and someone who deeply cared about her dogs.

Reaction from the Community

Slaughter said she was horrified by the conditions investigators say the dogs were living in and can’t help but empathize with what O’Donnell may have been going through. The Border Collie Society of America released a statement condemning the alleged neglect and mistreatment of the dogs.

The Humane Society of the Treasure Coast has taken in the 36 dogs and says it will do everything in its power to give them the medical attention they need. O’Donnell is facing 72 animal cruelty charges and is being held in the Martin County jail on a $270,000 bond.

Original reporting: WPBF West Palm Beach — read the source article.