DEBORAH ROSS DAHL arrested – Nearly one hundred animals living in deplorable living conditions rescued from a Columbus County property

- North Carolina, USA -

In connection with what the Columbus County Sheriff's Office called “one of the most significant animal cruelty investigations in county history”, deputies arrested 70-year-old DEBORAH ROSS DAHL (pictured).

The sheriff's office said that DAHL’s arrest is the result of an extensive investigation which began on May 27, 2025, when the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) received an anonymous report alleging that DAHL was performing a medical procedure on a dog inside her residence without appropriate licensure and training.

According to the press release by the sheriff’s office, pictures depicting the procedure were posted on social media.

Columbus County Animal Protective Services and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board were also alerted to these allegations and on May 29, 2025, Columbus County Animal Protective Services conducted a welfare check at DAHL’s residence on 364 Pone Hill Road in Hallsboro.

Officers reported “unsanitary and hazardous living conditions and numerous animals exhibiting signs of neglect”, stated the release. Dogs were found “pacing atop their own waste” inside ramshackle kennels.

Evidence collected at the scene was shared with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Between June 4 and June 16, 2025, CID detectives carried out extensive interviews and collaborated with licensed veterinarians and regulatory agencies to verify the scope of unlicensed veterinary practices and animal cruelty.

Based on these findings, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office consulted with the Columbus County District Attorney’s Office, which determined there was probable cause to pursue criminal charges.

On the early morning of June 24, 2025, deputies executed a search warrant at DAHL’s residence.

The sheriff’s office reached out to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Columbus County Animal Protective Services for assistance in removing the animals from the residence.

Fourteen (14) rabbits and seventy-six (76) dogs of various breeds, including Old English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Cane Corso, Shih Tzus, and mixed breeds were rescued while temperatures were close to 100 degrees.

Sadly, officials also discovered one deceased dog, and his/her body was taken for forensic examination.

DAHL was taken into custody.

On July 1, 2025, CID detectives presented additional evidence resulting in fourteen further counts of animal cruelty against DAHL.

On July 2, 2025, a second search warrant executed at the same property led to the rescue of two donkeys and two Highland cows who were taken to Columbus County Animal Protective Services.

The sheriff’s office said the majority of the rescued animals were placed in recovery facilities operated by the ASPCA, where they are receiving comprehensive sheltering, medical care, and behavioral treatment pending the resolution of this case.

To date, DAHL has been charged with ninety-three (93) misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a written statement: “This is the largest animal cruelty operation our agency has ever taken on. What detectives and animal protection teams encountered at this property was heartbreaking—animals forced to live in filth, many deprived of basic medical care, food, and dignity. This investigation began because one person chose to speak up, and it grew into a unified effort to save as many lives as possible. The rescue of these animals is the result of dedicated teamwork and a community that refused to look away. I want to personally thank the ASPCA, Columbus County Animal Protective Services, the Columbus County District Attorney’s Office, and every professional who responded with skill and compassion.”

I have reached out to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about the dog who was found deceased but at the time of writing I have not received a response. So, I took the liberty of naming the furvictim Indigo for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be filed as veterinary reports and evidence analysis are completed.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Mugshot and pictures shared from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office

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