A North Fort Myers woman is facing 31 charges after deputies discovered 30 dogs living in overcrowded, filthy conditions and a disabled human living without a bed inside the home.
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office came to the home after receiving a report of possible animal hoarding and a killed dog outside the residence.
When they arrived, deputies reported smelling decay coming from a kennel in front of the garage. A deceased dog was discovered inside.
Deputies from the 1st Precinct Crime Section, Animal Cruelty Task Force, and Lee County Domestic Animal Services then searched the home.
Inside, they discovered canines confined to overcrowded quarters, surrounded by filth and urine. Deputies stated that the stink was so strong that they had to wear gas masks and safety equipment to enter the house.
According to the sheriff’s office, six puppies were discovered in one kennel totally coated in feces, which investigators determined to be their own.
The house had no working air conditioning, little ventilation, and insufficient drinking water for the dogs. Several were severely underweight, while others had untreated injuries, according to deputies.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services assisted in removing 30 surviving pets and one deceased dog from the residence.
During the inquiry, deputies discovered an adult male with a mental handicap residing at the home with his parents. Deputies discovered several bites on his body, which they believed were caused by fleas inside the house.
Detectives from the Special Victims Unit came to investigate the man’s living conditions.
According to the sheriff’s office, the man’s bedroom had no bed and was littered with rubbish. The house did not have running water.
The homeowner, Mary Paulis, came shortly after deputies began investigating and was held.
Paulis was later charged with 31 charges of severe animal cruelty and maltreatment of a disabled adult.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno called the conditions “absolutely inhumane” and stated that his office’s job is to protect people and animals who are unable to defend themselves.
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