Florida Veterinarian Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges

LAKELAND, FL — A veterinarian from Lakeland and her husband face criminal charges after Polk County Sheriff’s deputies say they found 28 miniature horses, two full-sized horses, eight dogs and other animals at their home in poor condition. Gail Anne Nichols, 66, and her husband, Paul Craig Smith, 74, were brought into custody on Tuesday.

According to the sheriff’s office, a tip about possible animal neglect led deputies to the couple’s property in the 3200 block of West Bella Vista Street. Once there, deputies say they found the animals were in poor condition, some without proper food, water or shelter.

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“A search of the property, which was surrounded by fence, and residence revealed five of the eight dogs were living in cages inside the main residence without access to water,” a report released by the sheriff’s office said. “The residence emitted a very strong odor of ammonia, was infested with rats and had clutter piled to the ceiling with small pathways for walking.”

Deputies also reported finding two macaw-type parrots on the front port in “filthy, dirty cages.” Both birds were missing feathers from their chests, the report noted. Eighteen of the miniature horses were found in a front pasture that was primarily dirt, the agency’s report said. Other horses were found in a side dirt pasture and more in a back dirt pasture.

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“Three of the horses were found to have hooves that were severely overgrown to the point they were spiraled upwards causing the horses lameness,” the report said. One had a hoof that was facing backward. “Another was found to be only able to amble on three legs after suffering an untreated injury.”

"The fact that a practicing, licensed veterinarian caused so much suffering to her own animals is extremely concerning,” Sheriff Grady Judd said in a Wednesday statement. “We hope from this point forward she is not allowed to own, or treat, any more animals.”

As the investigation into Nichols’ alleged actions was ongoing, she told deputies she practices part-time at the Gulfport Veterinary Hospital and also works at Animal Emergency of Pasco in Port Richey. The animals seized, the sheriff’s office said, are owned by Nichols and Smith and are not affiliated with a veterinary practice.

Nichols and Smith now face three counts of felony animal cruelty, one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty and five counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water or shelter.

The sheriff’s office is maintaining custody of the animals pending court hearings. The agency noted that Nichols and Smith have petitioned to retain their animals.

Nichols and Smith were booked into the Polk County Jail following their arrests. Both were released on Wednesday.

No further information about the case is available at this time.

The sheriff’s office released video of the animals seized. Note: The video may be disturbing to some viewers.

Photos courtesy of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office