8 dogs — 2 dead, 6 starving — land Dade City woman in jail, authorities say

DADE CITY — A dead puppy was found hidden in a wood pile, its body emaciated.

Another dog died in front of a Pasco County animal control officer, who was at the mobile home at 27611 Holiday Drive on May 8 to investigate accusations of animal cruelty.

The officer found six other dogs starving, but alive. According to court documents, the dogs were kept in the back yard, some in cages, some chained up. None had shade or food or water. The cages were full of excrement.

On Tuesday, the dogs' owner was arrested. Angelic Lee, 39, faces eight counts of cruelty to animals. Lee, who goes by "Angel," told authorities she was unable to provide food for her dogs.

The six surviving dogs were taken to a veterinarian and began gaining weight when fed properly, authorities said. All had health issues including hookworms, which while "inexpensive and easy to treat are dangerous when not treated," the report says. An updated condition of the dogs was not available Wednesday from Pasco County Animal Services.

Lee, who is unemployed, is being held at the Pasco County jail in lieu of $40,000 bail.

Times researcher Natalie Watson contributed to this story. Erin Sullivan can be reached at esullivan@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6229.