PAMELA LYNN RODRIGUEZ arrested after two dogs in her care died of extreme dehydration and starvation

- North Carolina, USA -

~ Update: May 28, 2022

The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office announced that additional charges have been filed in this case.

PAMELA LYNN RODRIGUEZ has been charged with nine counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and six counts of failing to get her animals vaccinated.

The sheriff’s office also said that RODRIGUEZ’s boyfriend, THOMAS SKIFF, has been charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and one count of failing to have his dog vaccinated.

~ Update: May 26, 2022

I heard back from the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and learned that Nala was 9 years old and Jager was 5 years old.

~ Original story:

The New Hanover Sheriff’s Office announced that its Animal Services Unit has charged 53-years-old PAMELA LYNN RODRIGUEZ (pictured), who owned and operated a dog walking and boarding business, with two counts of felony animal cruelty.

On April 18, RODRIGUEZ had taken in two German shepherds, Nala and Jager, after the furbabies’ guardian had found RODRIGUEZ on “Rover”, a pet sitting and walking app.

WWAY reports that after six days, the guardian received a call from RODRIGUEZ saying that she found Nala dead in a crate.

The sheriff’s office said in a news release that RODRIGUEZ “stated she woke up and found Nala deceased.”

Later that day, RODRIGUEZ took Jager to the emergency vet because according to her, he was acting lethargic.

Nala and Jager’s guardian headed to the clinic where a veterinary technician attempted to save Jager. The furbaby, however, was later pronounced dead.

Animal Services Unit requested necropsies be performed on Nala and Jager.

Results showed that “both Nala and Jager died due to extreme dehydration and starvation”, stated the release.

Following these reports, on May 20, NHSO Animal Services Unit Deputies executed a search warrant at RODRIGUEZ’s home on 176 Beawood Road.

RODRIGUEZ’s “residence was extremely filthy, over 85 degrees with no fans, and smelled of urine. There were multiple dogs in crates that were too small and none of the dogs had water or food”, said the sheriff’s office.

A total of 16 animals were removed from her home.

According to WWAY, animals seized included rabbits, turtles, and other dogs.

WPDE reports that a Chihuahua was found in a cat crate so small, he/she couldn’t stand. The furbaby was returned to his/her guardian.

RODRIGUEZ was arrested, taken to the New Hanover County Detention Facility, and released on a $2,100 secure bond.

New Hanover County Sheriff Edward J. McMahon said: “Everyone knows the nice and friendly side of Animal Services Unit with our adoptions and taken care of animals. There is another side of Animal Services Unit which is investigations. I have assigned experienced investigators and seasoned Deputies who work full time in the Animal Services Unit. We will not tolerate people hurting animals in New Hanover County.”

WWAY reached out to “Rover” and in a statement they responded:

“As pet parents ourselves, we are appalled by this incident and our hearts go out to everyone who loved Nala and Jäger. Our 24/7 Trust and Safety team immediately launched an investigation when we were alerted to these concerns. We removed the sitter from the Rover platform, and we remain ready and willing to work with law enforcement should they reach out. We’re committed to the trust and safety of our community, and an incident like this is heartbreaking and very rare: Nearly 24,000 stays have been booked through Rover in the Wilmington area, with 98% of reviewed stays receiving 5 stars.”

The sheriff’s office said this is an ongoing investigation and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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Additional Source:

WECT – May 23, 2022