Latest news with #ChristineSnelling
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
16 counts of animal cruelty and neglect issued to Polk County woman
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. 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. Read: Rain chances to increase as temps stay warm in Central Florida 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. Read: Super Bowl 2025 commercials we absolutely loved '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. Read: 'I'm exhausted': Volusia County Cancer patient battles DCF for Medicaid benefits 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. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Multiple animals seized from Frostproof home, owner arrested: Deputies
The Brief A Frostproof woman is facing multiple charges after deputies seized multiple animals from her home left in "unsanitary conditions." She was arrested on eight counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of animal neglect. Eight dogs and three pigs were seized from inside her home. FROSTPROOF, Fla. - A Frostproof woman was arrested on multiple charges after deputies said they seized multiple animals from her home, which was left in "unsanitary conditions." The Polk County Sheriff's Office said Christine Snelling, 65, was arrested on eight counts of animal cruelty and eight counts of animal neglect on Friday. READ: Beloved missing rescue horse found dead in pond Dig deeper Deputies said they responded to Snelling's home on Keen Road in Frostproof to conduct a well-being check. As they approached the home, deputies could immediately smell the overwhelming odor of ammonia. Several dogs were seen running loose inside the home, with feces covering the floor, according to PCSO. Investigators said a van was also parked in the driveway, which displayed Snelling's contact information and the business name "Road Dawg Animal Rescue Transport." She later confirmed that she owns the pet taxi business. Deputies went inside the home to make sure Snelling wasn't inside in distress, but she wasn't there. However, deputies said they found a dead chicken and various dogs in need of medicinal attention inside the home. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube PCSO's animal cruelty investigations team took over the case and executed a search warrant on the home. The floors inside were covered in inches of feces, flies, rats and mice when they went inside, authorities said. Investigators at the home had to go in with protective equipment because of how intense the ammonia smell was in Snelling's home. Eight dogs and three pigs were taken from the property, and investigators said all of the dogs were showing symptoms of prolonged exposure to ammonia and unsanitary conditions. Their symptoms included respiratory issues, nasal discharge and eye infections, according to PCSO. The animals also didn't have access to food or water, and investigators said there wasn't any running water in the home at all. VIDEO: Massive and strange fish stranded along Florida coast. What is Mola Mola fish? What they're saying "Ms. Snelling told my investigators she didn't intend to harm these animals – she simply got overwhelmed by their needs," Polk County Sheriff Grad Judd said. "Caring for animals carries with it a responsibility to provide a healthy environment. There is no excuse for allowing animals to suffer." What's next The investigation remains active, and officials said more charges may be possible, depending on the veterinary checks of the animals seized from the home. The Source The information in this story was released by the Polk County Sheriff's Office. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
