New details are being released following the arrest of a 62-year-old Martin County woman who had dozens of dogs living in severely unsanitary conditions inside her home, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said.
Dogs rescued after WPTV investigation into suspected animal hoarding
Paige O’Donnell was taken into custody on Monday, following a lengthy investigation into animal welfare concerns at her residence. When deputies executed a search warrant, they discovered dogs covered in feces and urine living in a home with no functioning air conditioning and floors covered in waste and garbage, a probable cause affidavit said.
Investigation sparked by WPTV, neighbor concerns
The investigation began after a neighbor contacted WPTV with concerns about the conditions at O’Donnell’s residence and reports that she was housing a large number of animals.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services said they reviewed call history at the address and identified approximately 20 related incidents spanning from 2020 through 2026, the affidavit said.
Let’s Hear It
‘SAVE THE DOGS’: Neighbors say dogs are suffering next door
Animal Control Officer Tabitha Queen documented a pattern of deteriorating conditions at the residence over several years, according to a probable cause affidavit released by MCSO. On July 22, the officer responded to a complaint that more than 20 dogs were inside the home without air conditioning and had not been allowed outside since 2022.
“Upon arriving, the officer detected a strong odor consistent with decomposition from the roadway,” according to the arrest report. “She could hear a large number of dogs, including what sounded like puppies, barking from inside the residence.”
Conditions inside the home
When deputies arrived on Monday to execute the search warrant, O’Donnell was taking a bath, deputies said. When asked about the conditions of the home and dogs, she said only that she was in the process of cleaning…