Woman arrested on 28 counts of animal cruelty.
Several dogs were living there in filth and without adequate provisions to maintain proper health and nourishment.
Sheriff Ken Mascara announced today that Beverly Louise Shott, 65, was arrested and charge with 28 counts of cruelty to animals.
According to the Sheriff, detectives in the agricultural crimes unit were notified of Shott’s home in the 3500 block of Seminole Road and informed that several dogs were living there in filth and without adequate provisions to maintain proper health and nourishment.
“The conditions in which Shott was living and raising these animals was deplorable,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara. “Animal feces was caked into the rugs, rats were roaming the house and 28 mature dogs and puppies were running free in the home. After examination by a veterinarian, it was determined that all of the dogs were infested with fleas and worms.”
Shott was breeding the dogs at her home and then selling them through a business she owned, Sheriff Mascara said.
According to the Sheriff, the dogs were seized by animal control and turned over to the St. Lucie County Humane Society pending the outcome of the case and civil seizure process.
Shott was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail on $28,000 bond.