POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A Polk County veterinarian and her husband have been arrested on felony animal cruelty charges.
Polk County Sheriff's spokeswoman Carrie Hortsman said in a news release that investigators followed up on a tip about Gail Anne Nichols, 66, and Paul Craig Smith, 74, having animals at their home that weren’t properly cared for.
The couple was arrested Tuesday.
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An arrest report said they failed to provide 28 miniature horses, two full-sized horses, eight dogs and two birds with a basic level of care.
Five of the dogs were confined to cages without access to water, and the house had a strong odor of ammonia and was infested with rats, the report said.
[ Photos: Dozens of animals abused by veterinarian, deputies say ]
Some of the dogs were covered in fleas and had overgrown nails, and one had three untreated tumors, according to the report.
"The fact that a practicing, licensed veterinarian caused so much suffering to her own animals is extremely concerning,” said Sheriff Grady Judd. “We hope from this point forward she is not allowed to own, or treat, any more animals."
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Three of the miniature horses required euthanasia because of their conditions and the others suffer from various medical conditions, including hooves that were so overgrown, the animals couldn’t walk, the report said.
The suspects were booked into the Polk County Jail and were released after posting bond.
Deputies said the animals were not affiliated with the two veterinary practices where Hortsman works.
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