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JUDY LYNN DUBOIS, owner of Du Bois Rescue, arrested – Sixty dogs removed from her property

Updated: 6 days ago

- Florida, USA -

 

~ Update: November 23, 2025


On November 19, 2025, JUDY LYNN DUBOIS (pictured), was found guilty of eight misdemeanor charges.

Following a day of testimony, the jury returned the verdict after deliberating for less than half an hour.


DUBOIS, owner of Du Bois Rescue, was arrested on May 2, 2024, after dozens of dogs were seized from her home on April 11, 2024, by Leon County Animal Control. All the dogs were removed due to the inadequate sheltering, and the unsafe and unsanitary conditions.


As prosecutors rightfully pointed out during the trial, DUBOIS had “every opportunity to give these dogs to a rescue” so that they could have received proper care.


Sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2025. DUBOIS was ordered to remain behind bars until sentencing.


~ Original story:


Leon County authorities arrested 57-year-old JUDY LYNN DUBOIS (pictured), owner of Du Bois Rescue.

 

According to an official document obtained by Voice For Us, on April 11, 2024, Leon County Animal Control along with Leon County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to DUBOIS’ home on Sparrow Road to conduct a welfare check  “to ensure the well-being and proper treatment of animals at the location.”

Officers found many dogs in deplorable conditions and discovered several ordinance violations.

 

Officers saw a dog, identified as Roxy, an 8-year-old female Rottweiler mix, who was “running at large and unleashed in the roadway.” Roxy was then safely placed in one of the Animal Control vehicles.

 

As officers further approached the property, they could smell a strong odor of feces. Outside, in small wire crates, were two dogs, a 3-month-old Great Dane named Trick and a 2-year-old Beagle named Annie. “Both had matted fur, no clean or accessible food or water, and were standing in a large amount of their own waste”, stated the document.

 

Annie and Trick were not the only dogs who were found in inhumane conditions. In facts officials discovered fifty-seven (57) more dogs in a similar state.

The dogs were being kept in wire cages that “were not properly enclosed with walls and a roof and were inadequate to protect the animals from weather conditions.”

 

The document further stated that some of the dogs “were observed in small cages, crusted with filth, and without clean or accessible food or water.”

 

According to the document, “Due to the inadequate sheltering and the unsafe and unsanitary conditions” all the dogs were removed and were taken to the overcrowded Tallahassee-Leon County Animal Service Center (TLCASC) where they were evaluated and treated by staff.

 

Dr. Rachel Barton, chief veterinarian at TLCASC, performed a forensic exam on Roxy and found her to be infected with heartworm disease.

 

Annie was found to have dental calculus, overgrown nails, a dirty coat, and appeared to have a surgically removed left eye. She was also found to be infected with intestinal parasites and heartworms.

 

Trick was found with red, inflamed, irritated feet, and was found to have a significant breakdown of the ligaments and tendons of his front feet and wrists.

 

Several other dogs were also found to have heartworms, intestinal parasites, flea infestations, overgrown nails, dental tartar, and fur coats crusted with feces.

 

Dr. Barton “concluded that the dogs were housed in filthy, unsanitary and inhumane conditions and were subjected to unnecessary and prolonged suffering.”

 

DUBOIS was arrested on May 2, 2024, and booked into the Leon County Detention Facility.

She is facing five criminal charges of animal cruelty and five more charges of confining animals without sufficient food or water.

 

On May 22, 2024, when DUBOIS appears back in court, a judge will determine if she is fit to care for the animals or if they have to be turned over and placed in the county's custody.

 

According to the Leon County Attorney’s Office there are other animals at DUBOIS’ home.

 

On a separate note, I learned from an email received by the  Leon County Attorney’s Office that Leon County Animal Control has responded to Sparrow Road in the past. In fact, “Since 2016, Leon County Animal Control officers have responded 54 times to various reports.”

DUBOIS has been cited for violations in the past.

 

# # #

 

Disclaimer: This story is sourced from an official document provided to Voice For Us from the Leon County Attorney’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.


For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!


DUBOIS’ mugshot shared from the Leon County Jail




 
 
 

DEBORAH RAYE PALCOWSKI and RAVEN RENEE STAINES facing charges – 51 animals rescued from their home

Updated: May 3, 2024

- Michigan, USA -

 

~ Update: May 2, 2024

 

I have heard back from Little Traverse Bay Humane Society.  Its Executive Director, Elise Ramsey, advised that “There were no deceased animals on the property. Zero animals were euthanized, and they are all thriving in our care with basic husbandry, clean bedding, and fresh food and water.”


Ms. Ramsey further advised that: “They are LOVING acting like cats should act....chasing fake mice and feather wands, sampling all of the delectable treats we have to offer and basking in the sun with fresh air flowing through the windows. Finally living the life they deserve. Several were suffering from intestinal parasites, in need of medical grooming, and in need of dental cleanings. They are all getting the care they need and deserve, and some have already found their forever homes.”

 

Ms. Ramsey kindly shared a picture of Bixby, one of the dogs who was rescued. Bixby was recently adopted.

 

 

~ Original story


Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema announced that 30-year-old RAVEN RENEE STAINES and her mother, 60-year-old DEBORAH RAYE PALCOWSKI, have been charged with animal cruelty after more than fifty (50) animals were rescued from a suspected hoarding case.

 

According to the press release by Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema obtained by Voice For Us, the investigation in this case began when an Emmet County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to the duo’s home for an unrelated issue and saw “numerous animals and concerning living conditions at the residence.” 

 

On April 16, 2024, the Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant and with the assistance of the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, forty-nine (49) cats and two (2) dogs were removed.

 

On the same day, the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society advised through a Facebook post that they had rescued fifty-one (51) animals from the duo’s home and that many of the furvictims needed “medical treatment, grooming, bathing, and foster care.” Several cats also had very young kittens.

 

In a subsequent Facebook post, the nonprofit wrote that the rescued furvictims were settling in to the shelter “and decompressing with comfy bedding, clean water and plenty of food. They all received medical exams yesterday, and are on their way to a bright and healthy future.”

 

The nonprofit expressed their gratitude toward those who donated and helped them face this new hardship.

 

If you wish and can afford to donate, please, click here. Thank you!

 

Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema said that PALCOWSKI was charged with animal cruelty – twenty-five or more animals and lying to a law enforcement officer. The animal cruelty charge carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison.

 

STAINES is facing one felony count of animal cruelty: four to ten animals, which carries a sentence of up to only two years in prison.

 

PALCOWSKI and STAINES will be arraigned and their cases will be set for preliminary examinations in the 90th District Court for the County of Emmet.

 

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 Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by Emmet County Prosecutor Michael Schuitema obtained by Voice For Us. 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.

 

 






 
 
 

DIXIE ETHEL WEEKS and CURTIS LEONARD SHIPLEY arrested – Cats and dogs found in horrific conditions

Updated: May 4, 2024

- Florida, USA -

 

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains pictures some of you may find distressing⚠️

 

~ Update: May 4, 2024


I heard back from the Brevard County Sheriff's Office and I sadly have to inform you that Bella, Honey, and Smokey were euthanized.



~ Original story:


 The Brevard County Sheriff's Office announced the arrest of 63-years-old DIXIE ETHEL WEEKS and 53-years-old CURTIS LEONARD SHIPLEY ( both pictured).

 

According to the arrest affidavit obtained by Voice For Us, on April 5, 2024, two electricians went to SHIPLEY’s home on 900 N Carpenter Road in Titusville. After completing their job, they went to their next customer and told her what they had seen at SHIPLEY’s home.

 

The electricians said they saw “malnourished dogs”, “feces everywehere” and cats who were “delivering babies in the kitchen cabinet.” The electricians described what they saw as “horrible living conditions.”

 

Concerned with what she was told, the customer alerted the Titusville Police Department and an officer responded to SHIPLEY’s home.

Upon arrival, the officer immediately requested the assistance of Brevard County Sheriff's Office Animal Services and Enforcement.

 

The responding Animal Control Officer saw four dogs whom SHIPLEY identified as Bella, Eli, Honey, and Smokey. SHIPLEY told the ACO that all four dogs and all seven cats were his.

 

According to the affidavit, Honey “appeared to be missing an eye. Her ribs were easily palpable, and her pelvic bones were becoming prominent.” Additionally, Honey “had multiple areas of missing fur, swollen nipples, overgrown nails, and limped while walking.”

 

Smokey “appeared disoriented and was bumping into walls and falling over as she walked. Attached to Canine Smokey's right ear was a skin tumor, approximately the size of a baseball.” Smokey's ribs and pelvic bones were prominent and her nails were overgrown.

 

Bella “seemed to be unresponsive to noise or commands. She had missing fur and a ruptured tumor on her back.” Her ribs and pelvic bones were visible, and she was unable to walk on her own.

 

Eli “also seemed unresponsive and had missing fur on his back and rear legs.” His “ribs and pelvic bones were visible and he could only walk short distances.”

 

SHIPLEY was unable to confirm the age of the dogs. He estimated that Honey, whom he also called Mama, was acquired as a puppy between 2009 and 2011 after he and WEEKS moved in together. SHIPLEY also said that Bella and Smokey were Honey’s babies.

 

SHIPLEY also struggled to remember Eli’s age and estimated that all four were approximately 12 or 13 years old.

 

None of the furvictims were ever seen by a veterinarian and none of them were ever vaccinated. SHIPLEY told the ACO that he did not know that dogs “were supposed to receive annual veterinary wellness exams.”

 

The ACO then found five of the seven cats. SHIPLEY told the officer that the cats were both indoor and outdoor.

According to the ACO, the cats appeared to be “bright, alert and responsive.”

 

SHIPLEY surrendered all four dogs and the ACO rushed them to the Rockledge Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital (RASEH) for immediate emergency veterinary intervention.

 

On April 8, 2024, after their initial emergency care and treatment at RASEH, Bella, Eli, Honey, and Smokey were returned to the care of South Animal Care Center (SACC).

Veterinarians reported that all four Voiceless Victims had been experiencing repeated and excessive infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering.

 

All four furvictims were suffering from flea infestations, dermatitis, and painful tumors.

 

SHIPLEY and WEEKS’ statements about feeding the dogs regularly were also proved to be false. All four dogs were found to be severely malnourished.

 

Further findings revealed that none of the dogs “were offered sufficient exercise and outside change of air.”

 

On April 23, 2024, WEEKS and SHIPLEY were arrested and charged with four counts of felony animal cruelty, four counts of confinement without food and water, and four counts of condiment without wholesome exercise.

 

At the time of writing, records show the filthy duo are being held at the Brevard County Jail on $38,000 bond.

Court records show that WEEKS and SHIPLEY will appear at Titusville Historic Courthouse on May 30, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. for their arraignment before Judge Michelle A. Baker.

 

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey said although three dogs won't make it, the vet team will try to save the other dog.

 

Just before publishing the story, I came across an article by WESH, according to which three of the dogs have been euthanized.

I have emailed the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about this and if I get a response, I will post an update.

# # #

Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official court documents obtained by Voice For Us. 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.

 

 

Mugshots shared from the Brevard County Jail




 
 
 

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