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CHRISTINE SNELLING, who runs a pet taxi business, arrested after dogs and pigs seized from her home

- 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





ANDREW JASPER WADE WHITEHURST arrested–Two malnourished dogs and a dead one found at a Lakeland home

- Florida, USA -

 

The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 26-year-old ANDREW JASPER WADE WHITEHURST (pictured).

 

On October 2, 2024, deputies were contacted to do a well-being check at a residence on 5616 3rd Street SE # 4. The witness reported seeing skinny dogs inside.

 

When deputy Torres arrived, he found the power off, a foul odor emanating from the residence, and no one home.

 

According to the press release by the sheriff's office, the deputy was able to find information about WHITEHURST, the homeowner, and called him.

The sheriff's office said that when WHITEHURST arrived, he lied about his real name and told deputies his name was “Kevin James.” He then said that he was a friend of WHITEHURST’s coming to check on the dogs.

 

Eventually, WHITEHURST admitted the dogs were his and said that he was scared to reveal his real identity.

 

WHITEHURST told deputy Torres that he left on September 26, 2024, for work and stayed away for a week. He went on to say that although he did not arrange for his father to go and check on his dogs, he assumed his father would.

 

WHITEHURST allowed the deputy to enter the residence. Once inside the deputy sadly found one deceased dog, and two others who were alive but were malnourished. According to the affidavit, the deceased furvictim was found “in the living room area and was beginning to decompose. A necropsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death; however, at this time, it appears the dog died from a heat-related issue.”

 

The deputy said there was no water for the dogs and reported that the floor was covered with feces and urine. It was very hot inside and there was no air circulation.

 

Following the execution of a search warrant, the two live dogs were removed and “their internal temperatures were immediately checked”, stated the release.

 

Both furvictims were examined and as stated in the affidavit: “The first dog scored a 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, pelvic bones, and all bony prominences evident from a distance, with no discernible body fat and an obvious loss of muscle mass.

 

The second dog scored a 2/9 on the Purina Body Condition System. A Purina Body Condition Score of 2 out of 9 indicates ribs, lumbar vertebrae, and pelvic bones easily visible, with no palpable fat and some evidence of other bony prominences, as well as minimal loss of muscle mass.”

 

WHITEHURST was arrested and charged with three felony counts of animal cruelty, one misdemeanor count of confining an animal without sufficient food or water, and one count of providing false information to law enforcement.

 

Online arrest records show the scum is currently being held in the Polk County Jail, awaiting a first appearance hearing.

 

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said: “If you own pets, it is your responsibility to take care of them by providing them with food, water, and shelter which includes free-flowing air. Not doing so is evidence of someone with no conscience and a great disregard for life. Andrew doesn't deserve to be a pet owner ever again.”

 

I took the liberty of naming the deceased furbaby Aspen, for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

  

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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.

 

 

WHITEHURST’s mugshot and pictures provided to Voice For Us by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office



LANORIS DEVONNE PARKER arrested - Dead and maltreated dogs found in two Polk County homes

- Florida, USA -

 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 56-year-old LANORIS DEVONNE PARKER (pictured).

 

An investigation was launched after the owner of a property on Sylvan Road in Davenport “noticed several dogs in cages who did not appear to be healthy” and alerted the sheriff's office.

The property was being rented by PARKER.

 

Responding deputies sadly found two deceased dogs in crates, and nine dogs who were alive but were in extremely poor conditions. Animal Control was then called in.

 

The dogs who were found dead were beginning to decompose, however, their ribs were visible.

The sheriff’s office said that three of the nine live dogs were “unable to stand or walk and in extreme medical distress.”

 

Officers reported that there was no food or water for these innocent souls.

 

Animal Control removed all of the Voiceless Victims and they were examined by Dr. Kerry Jackson, DVM. Each of the nine dogs scored 1/9 on the Purina Body Condition Score showing severe emaciation, muscle loss, and no discernible body fat.

 

Dr. Jackson concluded that the two dogs who were found dead had died from starvation. In her professional opinion, “…. the starvation of the two deceased dogs, and condition of the remaining dogs resulted in the cruel death or excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering”, stated the affidavit.

 

Sadly, the three dogs previously mentioned who were unable to stand or walk, “succumbed to their injuries.”

 

On September 30, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit went to PARKER’s home on 2299 Rock Drive in Poinciana to arrest him. At the residence, officers found seven dogs. Six of them were confined to crates inside a garage with no air movement, no water, and no food. All seven dogs were removed from the home. According to the sheriff's office, six of the seven dogs, were “severely and criminally neglected.”

 

PARKER was charged with fifteen felony counts of animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of confining animal without sufficient food/water.

 

In addition to the animal cruelty charges, PARKER was also charged with operating an unpermitted landfill, burning without a permit, and keeping a nuisance injurious to health.

These charges relate to the investigation at PARKER’s rental property in Davenport in reference to environmental hazards.

 

Online arrest records show that PARKER is being held into the Polk County Jail on a $80,500 bond.

 

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a statement: “The horrific abuse and neglect that these animals suffered is too awful for words and the photos don't even adequately describe how much pain these dogs were in, not to mention the conditions, sights, and smells that our detectives were exposed to. Lanoris Parker is being held accountable for these crimes, and we will do everything in our power to ensure he never owns animals again.”

 

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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.


 

PARKER’s mugshot and pictures provided to Voice For Us by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office




 

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