I have heard back from Charlotte County Animal Control Division Manager Brian Jones and I now have a few details to add to the original story.
Mr. Jones tells me that the investigation into All Creatures Safe Heaven, located at 48619 Bermont Road in Punta Gorda, “started when an anonymous complaint was filed on April 19th, 2022 in which it was stated that there were several animals on this property that appeared sick and/or underweight. The allegations also included reports of physical abuse which reportedly resulted in the death of several animals. The animals were seized after Charlotte Co. Animal Control officers issued a search and seizure warrant on the property. We originally filed for 28 counts of animal cruelty with the State Attorney’s Office but several were denied for insufficient evidence. The animals were suffering from several medical conditions such as anemia, dehydration, starvation, weight-loss, and untreated cancerous masses and other conditions. Several animal bones were recovered from a fire pit on the property and we have evidence to suggest the animals died from neglect and/or physical abuse. Some of the animals had to be euthanized due to their poor condition but several were nursed back to health and adopted into new homes.”
Mr. Jones also shared some pictures and explained that “The black dog in the attached photos was named “Buddy.” He had lost approx. 38% of his body mass and was found exactly as you see him in the photo. He was nursed back to health and was re-homed but unfortunately passed away a few months later due to medical complications from his neglect.”
On Wednesday, June 28, 2023, the former operator of All Creatures Safe Heaven, 43-years-old NICOLE ELLEN O’BRIEN (pictured), was arrested on a combination of animal cruelty and abandonment charges.
O’BRIEN is facing twelve (12) third-degree felony counts of animal cruelty resulting in serious injury or death and eight (8) first-degree misdemeanor counts of confinement/abandonment of animals.
An investigation into O’BRIEN started in April 2022.
NBC2 reports that Taylor Yescavage, who has been in a relationship with O’BRIEN, is the one who tipped off the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office after collecting evidence for years.
Although the animals were part of a “rescue” O’BRIEN created, All Creatures Safe Heaven, investigators told NBC2 there was nothing kind there.
When on April 28, 2022, officials showed up with a search warrant for OBRIEN’s residence and trailer, they found animals surrounded by trash and debris. The poor souls were “abnormally thin, weak and had skin issues”, reports NBC2.
Charlotte County Animal Control Division Manager Brian Jones told NBC2 that the trailer was covered in trash. Inside the trailer was a dog sitting on top of a bench who appeared to be unresponsive. The furbaby was so weak that an officer had to carry him/her out.
The trailer’s front porch was falling apart. Some dog food was scattered along the floor that had missing or broken boards.
Underneath the trailer officials found live dogs and a live pig.
Inside the residence officials found two dogs who were taken to the Punta Gorda Animal Hospital. Additionally, officers found six dogs and two cats in need of medical care and they were all removed from the home.
Investigators then searched a burn pit and found numerous possible animal bones.
According to public court documents, on or about April 28, 2022, O’BRIEN “did unlawfully and intentionally commit an act to an animal”, “which resulted in the cruel death
of said animal, or excessive or repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering to said animal, or did cause the same to be done, contrary to Florida Statute section 828.12(2).”
The furvictims listed are:
1) A female Labrador mix named Marley.
2) A male Labrador Pitbull mix named Buddy.
3) A female tri-colored Chihuahua named Bella.
4) A male white Labrador named Bear.
5) A “Female Mix Canine” named Lucy.
6) A “Female Mix Canine” named Lassie.
7) A female Terrier/Yorkie mix named Buttons.
8) A female Tamaskan named Mika.
9) A female Boston Terrier named Mia.
10) A “Female DSH Dilute Calico Feline”
11) A female “Fawn Brindle Pitbull” named Dixie.
12) A “Male DSH Brown Tiger Feline” named Ana.
The same court document goes on to say that on or about April 28, 2022, O’BRIEN “did unlawfully abandon any animal,” “to suffer injury or malnutrition, or abandon any animal in a street or road, or public place without providing care, sustenance, protection, and shelter of such animal while owning, possessing, or having charge or custody of such animal,
contrary to Florida Statute 828.13(3).”
For the above offenses, the furvictims are:
1) A male Labrador Pitbull mix named Buddy.
2) A “Female DSH Calico Feline”.
3) A female Chihuahua named Bella.
4) A female Boston Terrier named Mia.
5) A female Terrier/Yorkie mix named Buttons.
6) A male white Labrador named Bear.
Additionally, on or about May 13, 2022, O’BRIEN
“did unlawfully abandon” a female Pitbull named Dixie, and a female Terrier mix “to suffer injury or malnutrition, or abandon any animal in a street or road, or public place without providing care, sustenance, protection, and shelter of such animal while owning, possessing, or having charge or custody of such animal, contrary to Florida Statute 828.13(3).
O’BRIEN told NBC2 that she took good care of the animals for years and it’s only become a struggle for her lately.
Jones rightfully said that “it definitely does not justify the condition in which we found the animals.”
O’BRIEN had her first court appearance on June 29, 2023, and online arrest records show that she’s already bonded out!
According to court records, O’BRIEN is due back in court on July 31, 2023, at 9:00 a.m.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
O’BRIEN’s mugshot shared from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.
