Woman arrested after officers find dog skeleton, malnourished animals and remains at Florida home: police

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. - A Florida woman is facing criminal charges after officers found animals living in horrible conditions at a home in Altamonte Springs Wednesday.

Police arrested and charged 36-year-old Tonya Grose with cruelty to animals, according to Seminole County jail records. Additional charges are pending the results of the investigation.

On Wednesday, Seminole County Animal Services requested the Altamonte Springs Police Department’s assistance with an animal well-being check at a residence on Ballard Street.  

When they arrived at Grose's home, officers were met with a "pungent odor" of urine and feces coming from inside the residence, police said in a news release. Inside the home, police found several emaciated dogs in cages without food or water. Multiple cats were also present, and excrement, urine and roaches covered the floor.

Seminole County Animal Services shared this photo of some of the animals surrendered to the shelter after being rescued during an animal cruelty case in Altamonte Springs. 

Birds were found in cages filled with feces and roaches. 

In the backyard, police discovered more malnourished dogs in cages and multiple dogs locked in a shed. The shed was hot and there was no ventilation, authorities said. In a second shed, officers found a dog's skeleton and more than 15 large trash bags containing animal remains. 

More than 40 animals were recovered from the property and surrendered to Seminole County Animal Services, where they are being evaluated by a veterinary team.

The influx of animals has placed stress on the already full shelter.

Seminole County Animal Services is asking for the community to adopt dogs or cats that are available for immediate adoption to alleviate the shelter's stress.