PLAM CITY, Fla. (WPEC) — The owner of a now-shuttered dog training facility in Florida was arrested in connection to the deaths of multiple dogs entrusted into her care, authorities announced Wednesday.
Nikki Camerlengo was booked on a single count of animal cruelty after two forensic facilities determined the pets were killed by blunt force trauma, according to a statement from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
“Forensic experts revealed that the dogs did not die quickly, instead succumbing to long and painful deaths,” the statement noted.
MCSO said they launched and investigation following the mysterious deaths of three dogs — Beau, a 2-year-old cavapoo; Flurie, a 15-month-old goldendoodle; and Mako, a 2-year-old flat coat retriever. All three dogs died after they were taken to Pawsitively Paradise in Palm City.
While the official reports spurred the sheriff’s office to find out what happened, the department previously indicated investigators believe there may be even more deaths that happened while dogs were in Camerlengo’s care.
“Since media reports surfaced about MCSO’s investigation into Camerlengo, multiple other reports of healthy dogs, mostly dogs under four years old, mysteriously dying or becoming severely injured while in Nikki Camerlengo’s care have emerged. Some dating back several years,” MCSO’s latest statement noted.
Camerlengo was arrested in Fort Piece, where she had taken her dog training business after MCSO’s criminal investigation began. She has been booked into the St. Lucie County jail.
The current animal cruelty count stems from Beau’s death, however MCSO expects more to be filed.
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