Multiple animals seized from Frostproof home, owner arrested: Deputies

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.

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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.

Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office.

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.

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Booking photo for Christine Snelling. Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office.

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.

Courtesy: Polk County Sheriff's Office.

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.

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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.

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