POLK COUNTY, Fla. — Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes detectives arrested and charged 65-year-old Christine Snelling with eight counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of animal neglect.
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What began as a well-being check of Snelling quickly led to investigators issuing a warrant for the home after assessing its unsanitary living conditions and the animals that resided there.
The Animal Cruelty Investigations unit seized eight dogs and three pigs from the property.
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All of the dogs showed symptoms of prolonged exposure to ammonia and unsanitary conditions, including respiratory issues, nasal discharge, and eye infections.
The animals did not have access to food or water, and there was no running water in the home. The floor was covered in inches of feces; flies, rats and mice were present.
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“Ms. Snelling told my investigators she didn’t intend to harm these animals – she simply got overwhelmed by their needs. Caring for animals carries with it a responsibility to provide a healthy environment. There is no excuse for allowing animals to suffer.” said Grady Judd, Polk County Sheriff.
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The outcome of the veterinary checks of the animals seized from the home is pending.
More charges are possible, pending the test results.
The investigation is still ongoing.
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