A Florida woman is facing a long list of criminal charges after authorities allegedly discovered 30 dogs living in filthy, overcrowded conditions, along with a disabled adult who deputies say was living inside the home without even having a bed.
The disturbing investigation unfolded in North Fort Myers, where deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence following a report of suspected animal hoarding and a deceased dog outside the home.
According to investigators, things got bad almost immediately.
When deputies arrived, they reportedly smelled the odor of decomposition coming from a kennel located in front of the garage. Inside that kennel, they allegedly discovered a deceased dog.
Deputies from the sheriff’s office’s 1st Precinct Crime Section, Animal Cruelty Task Force and Lee County Domestic Animal Services then searched the property.
What they allegedly found inside was even more disturbing.
Authorities said 30 dogs were being kept in overcrowded kennels surrounded by feces and urine. The conditions were reportedly so severe that deputies had to wear gas masks and protective equipment while entering parts of the home.
Investigators also reportedly discovered six puppies inside one kennel that were completely covered in what authorities determined was their own feces.
The dogs allegedly had little relief from the conditions. According to investigators, the home did not have functioning air conditioning, ventilation was limited and the animals did not have adequate drinking water.
Several of the dogs were reportedly significantly underweight, while others allegedly showed signs of untreated injuries.
But the investigation wasn’t only about the animals.
While searching the residence, deputies reportedly discovered an adult man with a mental disability who was living at the home with his parents.
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators observed numerous bites on the man’s body that they believed could have been caused by fleas inside the residence.
The man’s bedroom reportedly had no bed and was covered with trash. Investigators also said the home did not have running water.
The discovery added another disturbing layer to an investigation that initially began because of concerns about animal hoarding.
The homeowner was identified as Mary Paulis. According to reports, Paulis arrived at the residence while deputies were investigating and was detained.
Authorities ultimately charged her with 31 counts, including aggravated animal cruelty and neglect of a disabled adult.
The arrest records show Paulis was booked in Lee County on October 5, with multiple aggravated animal-cruelty counts listed.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno reportedly described the conditions as “absolutely inhumane,” saying his agency’s mission is to protect people and animals who cannot protect themselves.
The case highlights how animal-hoarding situations can involve more than just neglected pets. Authorities say the North Fort Myers investigation uncovered conditions affecting both animals and a vulnerable adult living inside the same residence.
For the dogs, investigators allegedly found overcrowding, feces, urine, inadequate water, poor ventilation and untreated injuries. For the disabled man, deputies reportedly found a living environment without basic necessities, including a bed and running water.
The investigation remains a criminal case, and the allegations against Paulis have not been proven in court. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and animal-services personnel are continuing to deal with the animals involved in the case.
As more information becomes available about the charges, the condition of the dogs and what happens next in court, the case is likely to draw even more attention.
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