DeLand Woman Arrested After Severe Animal Abuse Discovered

Date Added: May 06, 2024 9:29 pm

Warning: Animal abuse described in this release

DELAND WOMAN ARRESTED AFTER SEVERE ANIMAL ABUSE DISCOVERED

Several neglected animals have been rescued from a house in DeLand, and the woman who starved and abused them has been arrested on more than 2 dozen animal cruelty charges.

Ashley Taryn Boucher, 37 (DOB 3/25/1987), of 318 E. Beresford Ave., was arrested Monday on 20 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 8 counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise.

Boucher was charged for each of the many animals found suffering or deceased in her home.

The animals rescued from the house included 3 hungry and dehydrated dogs, a tortoise, multiple snakes and lizards, and a tarantula.

Unfortunately it was too late to save a young Basset hound, 2 cats, 3 geckos, and 2 birds all found deceased on scene.

Deputies responded to the house Monday morning for a well-being check. A woman who came to the house to clean the pool reported a strong odor coming from the house, and emaciated dogs barking inside.

Deputies entered the home based on the exigent circumstances with the assistance of Volusia County Fire Rescue. Inside, they found no human residents, only the malnourished animals living in filthy conditions.

Deputies started bringing the surviving dogs outside for food and water, and Volusia County Animal Services officers responded to assist in providing evaluation, treatment and shelter for all of the animals.

Boucher eventually arrived back at the house and told detectives that caring for the animals had become “too much.” She was living in the house, but claimed she did not realize the severity of her animals’ conditions.

Boucher stated she fed the animals 3 to 5 times a week, but has gone 5 days straight without feeding them in the past. Based on their conditions, it appeared unlikely the animals were fed even 3 or 5 times a week.

Detectives noted that Boucher’s bedroom was the only area of the house that was clean. They also confirmed that she fed herself daily and splurged by purchasing a $6 to $8 coffee almost every day. There were unopened dog food cans found on a coffee table, and Boucher admitted she received an auto-shipment of dog food from Amazon and had the financial wherewithal to feed the animals.

Detectives determined Boucher was clearly capable of providing basic food and care, as well as the ability to surrender them to Animal Services or a local rescue before they suffered from such neglect.

Boucher will be booked at the Volusia County Branch Jail on her 20 felony counts and 8 misdemeanor counts carrying a total bond of $54,000.