NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. — Two dogs have died under the care of a North Carolina pet sitter, officials say.
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office says in a news release that Pamala Lynn Rodriguez has been charged with two counts of felony cruelty to animals.
“Everyone knows the nice and friendly side of Animal Services Unit with our adoptions and taken care of animals. There is another side of Animal Services Unit which is investigations. I have assigned experienced investigators and seasoned Deputies who work full time in the Animal Services Unit. We will not tolerate people hurting animals in New Hanover County”, stated Sheriff Ed McMahon in a news release.
Rodriguez owned and operated a dog-walking and boarding business, according to NHCS. She took in two German shepherds named Nala and Jager. The boarding was booked through the app Rover. Rodriquez told officers that after five days with her, she woke up and Nala was dead. Jager wasn’t doing well either so she took him to an emergency vet where he later died. NHSO Animal Services Unit conducted necropsies and found that both dogs died from extreme dehydration and starvation.
NHSO Animal Services Unit deputies served a search warrant on Rodriguez, according to a news release. They found her home to be very dirty, over 85 degrees with no a/c or fans, and a strong urine odor. WRAL says that during their investigation, deputies searched Rodriguez’s house and noticed some very concerning conditions, including cages on top of each other with animals inside. NHSO Animal Services Unit noticed that none of the dogs had water or food.
NHSO Animal Services Unit deputies took Rodriguez into custody and issued a $2,100 bond. 16 other animals were removed from her home and police say the investigation is ongoing.
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