Palm Coast Woman Arrested After 51 Neglected Dogs Found in Home

A Palm Coast woman faces animal cruelty charges after authorities removed 51 dogs from her home in what began as an investigation into nearly two dozen abandoned dogs found 30 miles away in St. Augustine.

Carolyn Loveman, 48, was arrested following a multi-agency investigation that uncovered severe neglect at her Rymshaw Drive residence, where deputies found dogs suffering from mange, severe flea infestations, and overgrown nails, many with feces and urine matted into their paws.

Investigation Began With Abandoned Dogs

The case started on May 4 when approximately 23 small dogs were discovered abandoned near the intersection of US-1 and County Road 204 in St. Augustine. St. Johns County detectives traced the animals back to Loveman's Palm Coast home, prompting the Flagler County Sheriff's Office Agricultural/Ranch Unit to join the investigation on May 15.

48 Dogs Surrendered, 3 More Found in Shed

On May 18, FCSO deputies and Palm Coast Animal Control visited Loveman's residence. She voluntarily surrendered 48 small dogs — primarily Chihuahua, Beagle, and Yorkie mixes — including 16 puppies from a recent litter. The animals were immediately transported to a local veterinary hospital for evaluation and treatment.

After the surrender, Loveman consented to a search of her home. Deputies and the Crime Scene Unit documented floors covered in urine and feces, walls and baseboards chewed through to the insulation, and a heavy roach infestation. A pervasive odor filled the residence.

During the search, three additional dogs were discovered in a shed on the property. Among them was an emaciated one-year-old Chihuahua weighing just 1.5 pounds — missing significant amounts of fur and still retaining its puppy teeth.

Multi-Agency Collaboration

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office, Palm Coast Animal Control, and the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office worked together throughout the investigation.