Pasco County woman arrested after dogs found in deplorable conditions

HOLIDAY, Fla. - A Pasco County woman was arrested Saturday after deputies found two dogs living in unfit conditions.

According to reports, a deputy responded to the home of Paulette Rutledge, 47, during the investigation of a dispute.

Once inside the home, the deputy smelled a strong odor of feces and urine and noticed two dogs that appeared to be malnourished. The temperature inside the home, according to the deputy, was over 100 degrees.

Rutledge told the deputy that she had fed the dogs, a 10-year-old Chihuahua and a 9-month-old Chow mix, the prior day. However, the deputy was unable to find any food or water in the house.

Animal Control took custody of the dogs, which needed immediate attention for malnutrition.

Rutledge was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals.

She's currently being held in a Pasco County jail.