PETITION TARGET: Quincy-Gadsden State Attorney
UPDATE (11/4/2024): In an email, the state attorney told Lady Freethinker that a court hearing is scheduled for 1/8/25 with Judge Cathy Garner. We will continue to watch the case for updates. — Lady Freethinker staff
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87 dogs and cats were found dead in a freezer by Quincy Police Officers investigating an animal boarding and grooming facility in Quincy, Florida, according to WCTV News. More than four dozen animals were also found suffering in grisly conditions at the property.
For the 41 dogs and 10 cats found alive, life meant being housed in conditions that were deemed “inhumane and not livable” by investigators, as stated in the arrest affidavit. Floors and the sides of kennels were caked in fecal matter. The stench of urine was so intolerable that one investigator reportedly began vomiting while responding to the case.
Innocent animals were found suffering from a lack of adequate food or water, according to court records.
The owner of the facility has been arrested and charged with “51 counts of animal cruelty and 51 counts of confining animals without sufficient food,” according to WCTV. Following the investigation, the facility — Little Friends Pet Lodge — was ordered to cease operations.
Most of the deceased animals’ bodies were found in such tragic condition that the forensic veterinarian involved in the investigation was reportedly unable to determine how they died. These animals did not deserve to suffer — and their families did not deserve to lose their beloved companion animals at a facility responsible for their care.
The woman who was arrested previously ran an animal rescue, called Rest Your Paws Pet Refuge, which was accused of similar animal cruelty offenses. A former volunteer for the rescue claimed that animals were not consistently given food and, when they were, it was thrown into their uncleaned kennels, as reported by WCTV.
No animal should be made to suffer or die at a facility which promises to care for them.
Sign our petition urging the Quincy-Gadsden State Attorney to prosecute this case to the fullest extent of the law, including psychological counseling and a ban from ever again caring for animals.
