Fort Myers, Florida — A Florida woman has been arrested after deputies discovered 30 living dogs, a deceased dog and a disabled adult inside a home described by investigators as having inhumane living conditions. Authorities said the residence in North Fort Myers had no running water or functioning air conditioning, while the animals were confined in overcrowded kennels surrounded by urine and feces.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said deputies responded to the property Tuesday after receiving reports of possible animal hoarding. Their investigation uncovered conditions that raised serious concerns about the welfare of both the animals and the disabled adult living inside the home.
The homeowner, identified as Mary Paulis, was detained after arriving at the scene. She now faces 31 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, along with a charge related to the neglect of a disabled adult.
Deputies Discover Dead Dog and 30 Living Animals
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies initially responded after receiving reports of animal hoarding and seeing a deceased dog outside the residence.
When officers arrived, they reportedly detected the smell of decomposition coming from a kennel near the garage. A closer inspection confirmed that a dead dog was inside.
The investigation then moved into the home, where deputies discovered 30 living dogs confined in overcrowded kennels. Investigators said the surrounding areas were covered in urine and feces, indicating severe sanitation problems.
Six puppies were reportedly found in one kennel, completely covered in their own waste. Several other animals appeared underweight or had injuries that investigators said had not received treatment.
The conditions were so severe that deputies needed gas masks and protective equipment to enter the property safely.
The discovery prompted assistance from Lee County Domestic Animal Services, which helped remove the living dogs and the deceased animal from the residence.
Disabled Adult Found Living in Unsanitary Conditions
The investigation also uncovered concerns about an adult male with a mental disability who was living in the home with his parents.
According to investigators, the man’s body was covered in numerous bites believed to have been caused by fleas inside the residence.
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit examined his living conditions and reported finding a bedroom without a bed and covered in trash.
Investigators also said the home had no running water, no functioning air conditioning and limited ventilation. These conditions raised additional concerns about the man’s health, safety and access to basic necessities.
The discovery meant deputies were dealing with more than an animal welfare investigation. Authorities also had to examine the circumstances surrounding the care and living conditions of a vulnerable adult.
Officials have not publicly released further details about the man’s medical condition or the specific arrangements for his ongoing care.
Florida Woman Faces 31 Counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty
Mary Paulis, identified as the homeowner, arrived at the property shortly after deputies began their investigation and was detained, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno condemned the conditions investigators described at the residence. Marceno called the situation “absolutely inhumane,” emphasizing the seriousness of the conditions discovered inside the home.
Paulis was charged with 31 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and neglect of a disabled adult, according to the information released by authorities.
The animal cruelty charges follow the discovery of the 30 living dogs and one deceased dog. Lee County Domestic Animal Services assisted with removing the animals from the property.
The allegations remain part of the criminal case, and the charges themselves do not establish guilt. Further proceedings will determine how the case moves forward.
What Happens to the Rescued Dogs and Disabled Adult?
Authorities have not released the current medical status or location of the rescued dogs. It is also unclear how many of the animals require veterinary treatment or whether any have begun recovery under professional care.
The current condition and location of the disabled adult have likewise not been disclosed publicly.
The investigation has raised questions about the conditions inside the residence and how long the animals and the adult may have been living there. However, officials have not provided further details establishing the duration of the alleged neglect.
For now, the case remains focused on the conditions deputies encountered, the animals removed from the property and the charges filed against Paulis.
What do you think should happen in cases involving severe animal neglect and the mistreatment of vulnerable adults? Share your thoughts in the comments.
