- Florida, USA -
On February 7, 2025, patrol deputies with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home on Keen Road in Frostproof to conduct a well-being check.
According to the press release by the sheriff’s office, as deputies approached the residence, they were overwhelmed by the strong odor of ammonia and saw many dogs running loose inside the home “on a floor covered in feces.”
Deputies also saw a van parked in the driveway that displayed “Road Dawg Animal Rescue Transport.” Deputies further found contact information for 65-year-old CHRISTINE SNELLING (pictured), who turned out to be the owner of the property and the pet taxi business.
Fearing that SNELLING could be in distress, deputies entered the home but she was not there. Deputies found a deceased chicken and many dogs who were in need of medical attention.
At that point, Animal Cruelty Investigators and detectives with the sheriff’s office Agricultural Crime were called in and they took over the investigation. A search warrant was then obtained and executed at the residence. Reportedly, detectives had to wear protective gear to search the home because the smell of ammonia was overwhelming.
The sheriff’s office said that the floor was covered in inches of feces and detectives found flies, mice, and rats. That’s not all, eight dogs and three pigs were also found and removed from the home. None of the animals had access to food or water and there was no running water in the home.
All of the dogs displayed “symptoms of prolonged exposure to ammonia and unsanitary conditions, including respiratory issues, nasal discharge, and eye infections”, stated the release.
SNELLING was arrested and charged with eight misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and eight misdemeanor counts of animal neglect.
I reached out to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about any other possible deceased animals and I was told: “The only confirmed deceased animal found is a bird, possibly a chicken. The home is infested with rats, mice, and flies, and detectives believe it’s highly likely there are also dead rodents inside. However, at this time, only the dead bird has been confirmed.”
With regard to the eight dogs, I learned the following: “They are currently in our custody and being rehabilitated by the veterinary staff at our Animal Control Facility. We do not believe any of them face any life threatening health issues at this time, and none of the animals have been euthanized.”
Polk County Sheriff Grad Judd said: “Ms. Snelling told my investigators she didn’t intend to harm these animals – she simply got overwhelmed by their needs. Caring for animals carries with it a responsibility to provide a healthy environment. There is no excuse for allowing animals to suffer.”
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are possible, pending medical reports.
At the time of writing, online arrest records show that SNELLING was released from the Polk County Jail on February 10, 2025.
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Polk 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.
SNELLING’s mugshot shared from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Pictures in the gallery were provided to Voice For Us by the Polk County Sheriff's Office
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