Florida woman who willfully neglected her dog charged with aggravated animal cruelty
On April 14, a 29-year-old Naples, Forida, woman was arrested and is now facing felony charges after Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) detectives rescued a neglected dog that was in her care.
After being taken into custody today, Ida Marko, was charged with aggravated animal cruelty following an investigation by the CCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance. Detectives say Marko repeatedly refused to provide necessary medical care and grooming for her 12-year-old white Samoyed, “Sammy,” despite citations and fines.
“This was a heartbreaking case,” Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said. “Thanks to the coordinated effort by our detectives and local animal welfare agencies, Sammy is safe and on the mend, and the suspect will now be held accountable for her neglectful actions.”
The investigation began in November, when a citizen found Sammy running loose on Sabal Ridge Lane and brought the dog to Collier County Domestic Animal Services. Sammy had bleeding gums and appeared to be in severe dental distress. The dog’s fur was so matted that staff initially couldn’t determine its gender.
Collier County Animal Control Officers issued two citations ordering Marko to obtain veterinary care and grooming for Sammy. The citations carried a mandatory court appearance. Despite multiple attempts by animal control officers to check on the dog, Marko refused to allow access and admitted the animal had not received care. She later failed to appear in court, was found guilty and fined $500. The magistrate then referred the case to CCSO for further investigation.
Detectives discovered Sammy’s condition had worsened. The dog’s matted fur further restricted movement, and it showed signs of oral and ear infections. Detectives concluded the dog had endured prolonged and unnecessary suffering due to Marko’s willful neglect.
Detectives obtained a search warrant and removed Sammy from the property. The warrant also granted CCSO temporary custody to ensure the dog received immediate treatment and a veterinary evaluation.
An examination by the veterinary team at the Patty Baker Humane Society of Naples revealed the full extent of Sammy’s suffering. PBHSN Chief Medical Officer Dr. John Morton diagnosed the dog with severe matting, an advanced tooth infection, and chronic arthritis—all painful conditions that were either preventable or treatable.
Dr. Morton concluded that Sammy had endured ongoing and unnecessary pain, which could have been significantly reduced or avoided altogether with proper care and attention from the owner.
Sammy is now safe and recovering at Domestic Animal Services. CCSO has petitioned the court for full custody of the dog.
In Collier County, Florida, being found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty can result in a third-degree felony charge, punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Additionally, a minimum mandatory $2,500 fine and psychological counseling or anger management treatment may be imposed if the defendant is found to have intentionally tortured the animal. A second conviction carries a minimum mandatory $5,000 fine and 6 months in jail. ~ Pallegar Law
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(Source: Collier County Sheriff’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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