The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Palm Coast woman on animal cruelty charges and neglect following a multi-agency investigation that originated in St. Johns County and resulted in the removal of 51 dogs from inside a Palm Coast home.
On May 15, a deputy with the FCSO Agricultural/Ranch Unit began assisting the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office (SJSO) with an investigation into the abandonment of approximately 23 small dogs near the intersection of US-1 and County Road 204 in St. Augustine that occurred on May 4. During the investigation, detectives received information regarding additional dogs located at a Palm Coast residence on Rymshaw Drive belonging to Carolyn Loveman, 48, of Palm Coast. FCSO worked with Palm Coast Animal Control and SJSO detectives for a voluntary surrender of the animals.
On May 18, deputies with the FCSO Agricultural/Ranch Unit and Palm Coast Animal Control went to the residence on Rymshaw Drive, where Loveman surrendered 48 small dogs — primarily Chihuahua, Beagle, and Yorkie mixes — including 16 puppies from a recent litter. Many of the dogs showed visible signs of neglect, including patches of missing fur consistent with mange, fleas, severely overgrown nails, and feces and urine matted in their paws. Palm Coast Animal Control transported the dogs to a local veterinary hospital in Palm Coast for evaluation and treatment.
Following the surrender, Loveman initially provided consent for deputies to search the home. Inside, FCSO deputies and the Crime Scene Unit documented floors covered in urine and feces, holes in walls and baseboards where dogs had chewed through to the insulation, a heavy roach infestation, and an overwhelming odor of feces and urine.
During the consensual search of a shed on the property, deputies located three additional dogs, including a one-year-old male Chihuahua weighing approximately 1.5 pounds. The dog was emaciated, missing a large amount of fur, had retained its puppy teeth, and had a serious untreated medical condition requiring surgery. Loveman acknowledged she had been aware of the dog’s condition for approximately one month but had not sought veterinary care. She voluntarily surrendered the three remaining dogs to Palm Coast Animal Control and then withdrew her consent to search the home.
Deputies obtained a search warrant and served it at the residence the same evening. Investigators documented additional evidence of prolonged neglect, including bags of soiled bedding and feces, chewed furniture and walls, and rotting food contaminated by insects. In total, 51 dogs were removed from the residence for a combined total of 74 dogs recovered across both county investigations.
A veterinarian who examined the dogs reported that most were underweight and many showed signs of flea infestation, parasites, and prolonged neglect. The veterinarian noted that most of the conditions observed could have been avoided with routine basic care.
“The conditions in this home were absolutely disgusting, and sadly 51 dogs paid the price for it,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “No animal should be left to live covered in filth and riddled with disease while their owner does nothing. Thanks to our Agricultural/Ranch Unit, FCSO detectives, Palm Coast Animal Control, and assistance with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, these dogs are finally getting the care they should have had all along. If you cannot care for your animals, you should immediately seek assistance. No animal or pet should be treated like this.”
The Agricultural/ Ranch Unit deputy with the assistance of the Fugitive Unit arrested Loveman on one count of felony aggravated animal cruelty and 31 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. She was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she is being held on a $41,000 bond.
The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office investigation is active and ongoing.
Anyone interested in adopting the rescued dogs may do so through S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County by visiting their website at www.smartflagler.com.
