A 57-year-old woman was arrested on animal cruelty charges after several deceased dogs, cats, and birds were found inside an abandoned home in Volusia County.

On Friday, June 27, Edgewater Police Department officers responded to a home located in the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive after receiving reports of “possible animal abuse.” The property had been vacated by a woman, identified as Danielle McGinnis, approximately one year ago, according to EPD.

The police department added that “stakeholders” had recently gained access to the vacated property following a “long-standing civil dispute.”

When officers arrived at the home, they observed “deplorable living conditions,” which included “widespread animal feces.” The property was in “severe disrepair” and deemed “uninhabitable,” according to EPD.

During a search of the home, officers found the remains of seven deceased animals – two dogs, two cats, and three birds – that were “all in advanced stages of decomposition.” EPD said in a social media post that there were no signs that food or water had been available for the animals, and investigators believed that the pets “died from prolonged starvation and dehydration.”

Several neighbors spoke with investigators and advised that they had not seen McGinnis at the property over the past year, according to EPD.

Officers made contact with McGinnis in Daytona Beach, and she allegedly admitted to leaving the pets inside the home when she moved out around a year ago. According to police, McGinnis claimed that she had asked a “friend” to look after the animals, though she was unable to provide the friend’s name or contact information.

During an interview with police, McGinnis allegedly further admitted that she “never followed up” on the well-being of the seven pets.

McGinnis was placed under arrest and booked into Volusia County Jail, where she is currently being held on a $70,000 bond. She is being charged with seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death.

Following McGinnis’ arrest, EPD released the following statement:

“This was a disturbing and entirely preventable tragedy. If you cannot care for your animals — there is no excuse to leave them behind. There are resources available. You can surrender animals to local shelters. You can ask for help. But letting innocent pets starve to death alone is criminal, heartless, and will not be tolerated in our community.”