A Central Florida woman was recently arrested for 16 counts of animal neglect and animal cruelty.
Earlier this month, Polk County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Crimes detectives arrested and charged 65-year-old Christine Snelling, of Frostproof, with eight counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of animal neglect.
The investigation began on February 7th when patrol deputies responded to a home located on Keen Road in Frostproof to conduct a well-being check. As deputies approached the home to check on the homeowner, Snelling, they immediately smelled the overwhelming odor of ammonia, and observed several dogs running loose inside the home on a floor covered in feces. A van was parked in the driveway which displayed Snelling’s contact information and the business name “Road Dawg Animal Rescue Transport.” She confirmed to deputies that she owns the pet taxi business, according to law enforcement.
Deputies entered the home to ensure Snelling was not inside in distress. She was not present in the home, but a dead chicken and various dogs were observed inside the residence – obviously in need of medical attention. PCSO Agricultural Crimes detectives and Animal Cruelty investigators were contacted to take over the investigation.
The PCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations unit executed a search warrant on the house. The floor was covered in inches of feces; flies, rats and mice were present in the home. Investigators had to don personal protective equipment due to the intensity of the smell of ammonia in Snelling’s home. Eight dogs and three pigs were seized from the property; 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 at all.
“Ms. Snelling told my investigators she didn’t intend to harm these animals – she simply got overwhelmed by their needs,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “Caring for animals carries with it a responsibility to provide a healthy environment. There is no excuse for allowing animals to suffer.”
The investigation was ongoing at the time and more charges were possible, pending the outcome of veterinary checks of the animals seized from the home.
We need pictures of the animals
She certainly should be punished. Animals abuse has gone on for far too long lwith just a slap on the wrist for consequences. I was under the impression our laws were going to be much tougher for animal abuse or neglect. She had the ability to rehome her dogs or get help from one of our many animal agencies. But she did not. Sympathy for her should be zero. The animals are the ones who deserve sympathy and a second chance with someone who would love and care for them. She deserves jail time. It is time to do the right thing and punish anyone who abuses a defenseless animal.
I totally agree with her going to jail. You can’t claim to have a heart and watch animals suffer like that. For to long people have thought of animals like they have no feelings. Time to give them love and compassion.dont have them if you can’t meet their needs. It’s time we change our attitude toward GOD’S CREATION AND GIVE PEOPLE HARSHER PENALTIES FOR NEGLECTING THEM. THEY HAVE A VOICE BUT WE DO AND IF WE SEE SOMETHING THAN TELL SOMEONE DON’T JUST LOOK AWAY.