A Florida woman was taken into custody after police say a number of dead animals were found decomposing in her abandoned home.
Danielle McGinnis, 57, is behind bars, charged with seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death. Police found two dogs, two cats and three birds dead Friday in a home in Edgewater. They responded to the area after neighbors reported they hadn’t seen McGinnis in almost a year.
Investigators say the home was in poor condition and that there were animal feces everywhere but no food or water. They believe the pets died from prolonged starvation and dehydration.
“I was physically sick. I was nauseous. I couldn’t believe it happened so close to us right there, and we never knew,” neighbor Tara Sharpe said.
Officers later found McGinnis in Daytona Beach and say she admitted to leaving the animals in her home when she moved out one year ago. She claimed she had a friend look after them, but police say McGinnis did not provide investigators the friend’s name or contact information and admitted that she never followed up on her pets’ well-being.
“If you take these animals in, you’re supposed to love them and protect them and take care of them and treat them like family. Even whenever they can be a pain in the butt sometimes and chew up your furniture or whatever, you still love them and take care of them,” neighbor Chris Alterio said.
Police say the incident was not just horrible but avoidable. Anyone who is unable or unwilling to take care of their animals is encouraged to turn them over to a shelter.
McGinnis’ bond is set at $40,000, according to court records.