FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — A Palm Coast woman faces multiple animal cruelty charges after deputies said she abandoned a dog and cat inside a home during an eviction.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said deputies and Palm Coast Animal Control officers responded July 12 to a home on Waybourne Place after neighbors reported hearing a dog barking and crying inside. Neighbors said they had not seen the tenant, 36-year-old Erin Curley, for several weeks.
Inside, authorities found a dog and cat living among urine and feces. Investigators said the home had no dog food or water, and the toilet bowl was dry. The property’s electricity and water had also been disconnected during the eviction process.
Veterinarians determined the cat was emaciated, dehydrated and suffering from other serious health problems. The cat was later euthanized.
The dog was taken to the Flagler Humane Society. Authorities said the dog was physically healthy but was not expected to be made available for adoption because of its mental condition following the abandonment.
Investigators said Curley contacted the sheriff’s office Aug. 5 to ask about the dog but did not mention the cat. Deputies attempted to arrange a meeting with her for Aug. 12, but she did not respond.
A warrant was issued Aug. 14 charging Curley with two counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food or water and two counts of felony animal cruelty.
The Seminole County Sheriff’s Office arrested Curley in Geneva on Aug. 20 with assistance from Flagler County’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit. She was booked into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on a $25,000 bond.
“This woman clearly did not care about her pets, as she left them hungry and thirsty with no place to use the bathroom,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We don’t tolerate animal cruelty in any form.”
Anyone who suspects animal cruelty in Flagler County can contact the sheriff’s office’s non-emergency line at 386-313-4911.
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