LAKELAND, Fla. – Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an animal neglect hoarder case in Lakeland and has charged a 66-year-old woman after 28 animals were discovered.
According to deputies, on Wednesday, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Cruelty Investigations Unit responded to 4328 Hedge Drive North in Lakeland regarding a complaint related to possibly neglected cats and hoarding.
When investigators arrived on the scene, they detected a strong odor of ammonia emanating from inside the home and made contact with the homeowner, 66-year-old Catherine Briley.
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Briley confirmed she lives alone inside the home and estimated she had about 16 cats and one dog inside.
When detectives entered the residence, wearing respirator masks due to the toxic ammonia levels and their inability to breathe unassisted, they observed between 20-25 cats roaming throughout the residence, several of which were coughing and had green nasal discharge.
Polk County Fire Rescue responded to the scene and obtained an ammonia level reading of 10 ppm in the air and a hydride (toxic industrial chemical) level reading of 40 ppm. Both of these readings are considered high.
The cats were unable to leave the home to obtain fresh air. Cat food and water bowls were present throughout the house with food and water available to the animals. There were multiple cat litter boxes that were overflowing with feces and urine.
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The dog inside the house had trouble walking or standing and had very long, grossly overgrown toenails that were curled. The dog was missing a large amount of fur and appeared to be suffering from a skin condition.
During a search warrant, a total of 27 live cats were located within the residence and seized. The previously mentioned dog was also seized. Five deceased cats were located underneath a bed. All of the animals located were covered in fleas.
Briley was placed under arrest and charged with the following:
- 28 counts animal cruelty (M1)
- 5 counts felony animal cruelty (F3)
- One count confining animal without sufficient food/water (M1)
- One count keeping unpermitted landfill (M1)
- One count keeping a nuisance injurious to health (M2)
The animals were taken to Polk County Animal Control for full veterinary exams and treatment.
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