California woman staged fake animal rescue, left dog to die in hot car; released by court without bail | World News
A California woman accused of running a fake animal rescue operation while keeping dozens of dogs in filthy, crowded conditions has been released without bail despite facing multiple animal cruelty charges.Priscilla Martin, 33, pleaded not guilty in Orange County Court to three felonies of caregiver cruelty to animals, 11 misdemeanor counts of caregiver cruelty to animals and misdemeanor unlawful disposal of a dead animal, the New York Post reported.Prosecutors asked the court to set bail at $50,000, arguing the seriousness of the charges warranted keeping Martin in custody. However, Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Eric Isaac ordered her release on the condition that she not own, possess or have contact with any animals while the case is pending.The investigation began on July 4 when Newport Beach police received a report that several dogs were locked inside a vehicle parked in extreme heat.Police found 18 dogs in the car, 14 of which were kept in crates and pet carriers. The animals had no access to water, were covered in feces and some were suffering heat-related suffering, according to prosecutors.Animal control officers rescued 14 dogs, most of them puppies. Authorities said 13 of them had intestinal parasites and two six-week-old golden retriever puppies were in critical condition with severe and untreated infections. One of the puppies was later euthanized, while the other survived and is recovering.Days later, the investigation expanded when Irvine police discovered the body of a dead dog allegedly linked to Martin. Surveillance video showed her removing the dog’s body from the car and leaving it in the bushes, prosecutors said. A necropsy concluded that the animal died of heatstroke, consistent with prolonged exposure to a hot vehicle.Investigators encountered Martin again in Costa Mesa on July 22, allegedly with 14 other dogs in her car. The animals were removed and given a veterinary evaluation before Martin was arrested.Prosecutors also allege Martin lied on social media about operating a registered nonprofit rescue organization called K9 Paws Rescue, also known as Canine Paws Rescue. However, investigators said the California Registry of Charities and Fundraisers had no records of either organization, although registration is required to solicit charitable donations.If convicted, Martin could be sentenced to up to 15 years and 10 months in state prison.
