Woman receives a 7-year prison sentence for cruelty to animals in Altamonte Springs.

In Seminole County, Florida, a woman was sentenced to seven years in prison after being arrested when a large number of malnourished dogs and cats were discovered in her residence in Altamonte Springs in 2023. This information was confirmed in a news release from the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.

Officers responded to Tonya Grose’s home along Ballard Street on Sept. 18, 2023, after Seminole County Animal Services requested a welfare check.

Altamonte Springs police reported that they could smell the “pungent odor of urine and feces coming from inside the residence.”

Reports from investigators revealed a distressing scene where emaciated dogs were found confined in cages without access to food or water, birds were living in cages contaminated with feces and cockroaches, and multiple cats were also located on the premises, adding up to over 40 animals. All these animals were later handed over to Seminole County Animal Services.

According to the release, they also found trash bags full of dead dogs, cats and kittens inside of a shed on the property.

Grosep, 38, pleaded no-contest on Monday to charges including:

• 13 counts of felony cruelty to animals causing death, pain or suffering

• 10 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals

According to county records, a total of 26 dogs, 13 cats, and two exotic birds were rescued from the woman’s residence in 2023. Unfortunately, two dogs passed away while the officers were present at the scene. For some time, neighbors had been raising concerns about the foul odor emanating from the woman’s home.

Officials said that Grose had registered a pet rescue business at the home, but admitted to not having money or food to properly care for the animals.

In addition to the seven years in prison, Grose must serve 10 years of probation after her release. She will not be allowed to own animals during that time, according to the release.