Palm Coast woman accused of abandoning dog, cat after eviction

PALM COAST, Fla. - A Palm Coast woman was arrested after investigators said she abandoned a dog and cat inside a home following an eviction, leaving the animals without adequate food, water or air conditioning for an extended period.

Erin Curley, 36, was arrested Thursday in Geneva by the Seminole County Sheriff's Office with assistance from the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Fugitive Apprehension Unit. 

Neighbors report animals left behind

The backstory:

The investigation began July 12 when deputies responded to a home on Waybourne Place after neighbors reported hearing a dog barking and crying inside. Neighbors told investigators they had not seen Curley, who had been renting the home, for several weeks.

Deputies and Palm Coast Animal Control officers entered the home and found a dog and cat.

Authorities said the home contained urine and feces, an overflowing litter box and a couch that had been torn apart by the dog. Investigators said they found no dog food or water and that the toilet bowl was dry.

Deputies later determined that electricity and water service had been shut off during the eviction process, leaving the animals without running water or air conditioning.

Cat euthanized after veterinary examination

Veterinarians determined the cat was emaciated and dehydrated and had other serious health problems. The cat was later euthanized because of its condition, according to the sheriff's office.

The dog was found to be in good physical health and was taken to the Flagler Humane Society. Authorities said the dog was not expected to be available for adoption because of behavioral or psychological issues associated with being abandoned.

Deputies say woman contacted them about dog

What they're saying:

Investigators said Curley contacted the sheriff's office by email and text Aug. 5 after learning the dog was at the humane society.

Deputies attempted to arrange a meeting with Curley on Aug. 12, but said she did not respond. According to investigators, Curley did not ask about the cat.

Deputies obtained an arrest warrant Aug. 14.

"This woman clearly did not care about her pets, as she left them hungry and thirsty with no place to use the bathroom," Sheriff Rick Staly said. "Then, she finally reached out a month later asking about her dog and didn't even bring up her cat who tragically passed away."

Curley was taken to the John E. Polk Correctional Facility in Sanford, where she faces two counts of felony animal cruelty and two counts of confining animals without sufficient food or water, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

She was being held on $25,000 bond.

Flagler CountyCrime and Public SafetyPets and Animals