Venice Woman Charged After Neglecting 34 Starving Exotic Birds

VENICE, FL – A Venice woman remains behind bars without bond after the Sarasota Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Unit served a warrant on her home and discovered more than 30 neglected and malnourished animals in her home.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s arrested Elaine Wells, 64, after launching an investigation on June 28.

When deputies visited her home at 6684 Pineapple Place, they discovered 34 exotic birds living in a home covered with filth and feces and infested with roaches and other bugs.

Several birds were underweight, suffered signs of self-mutilation and lacked access to food or water. Some were living under dilapidated kitchen cabinets while others were confined to cages.

Animal Services responded and took the birds to a veterinarian who confirmed the animals lacked proper nutrition, access to medical services and appropriate housing.

Animal Services also impounded a 15-year-old Boston terrier. The animals remain in sheriff’s office custody pending a judge’s disposition.

Wells is charged with three misdemeanors including cruelty to animals, confinement of animals without sufficient food or water and prohibited cruelty to animals.

Wells’ initial arrest on June 26 was for DUI and driving with a suspended license, which led to the animal cruelty investigation.

Images via Sarasota Sheriff

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