A Southern California woman accused of operating a fraudulent animal rescue and leaving numerous dogs to die in squalid conditions was released from custody without bail. Priscilla Martin, 33, pleaded not guilty to felony and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, as well as a charge for improper disposal of an animal carcass.
Prosecutors had requested that bail be set at $50,000, citing the severity of the allegations, but Orange County Superior Court Commissioner Eric Isaac denied the request. As a condition of her release, Martin is prohibited from possessing any animals while the case is ongoing. If convicted, she faces a maximum of 15 years and 10 months in state prison.
The case began on July 4 when Newport Beach police responded to reports of dogs locked in a vehicle under the hot sun. Officers discovered 18 dogs inside the car, 14 of which were in crates covered in feces and without access to water. Several dogs showed signs of heat distress, and 13 puppies were found to be suffering from intestinal parasites. Two six-week-old Golden Retriever puppies were in critical condition due to severe, untreated parasite infestations, and one ultimately had to be euthanized.
Investigators further allege that on July 13, Irvine police recovered the body of a dead dog whose microchip was registered to Martin. Surveillance video reportedly showed Martin abandoning the dog's body in bushes. A necropsy indicated the dog died of heat stroke, consistent with being left in a hot vehicle.
Authorities encountered Martin again on July 22 in Costa Mesa with 14 more dogs in her vehicle. She was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty, and the dogs were removed for health evaluations.
Investigators discovered that Martin allegedly promoted herself on social media as operating a 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue named K9 Paws Rescue, Inc., also known as Canine Paws Rescue, Inc. However, prosecutors stated that the California Attorney General’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers has no record of either organization, despite state requirements for registration to solicit donations.
Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer commented on the case, stating, "Every living being deserves a safe home with the basic necessities of life. Despite our compassion for the homeless, it does not excuse subjecting defenseless animals to inhumane conditions. The abuse of animals will never be tolerated, and anyone who engages in violence or neglect against animals will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."