EDGEWATER, Fla. – An Edgewater woman faces seven counts of felony animal cruelty after just as many dead pets were found in a home that she moved out of a year ago, according to police.
Danielle McGinnis, 57, was booked early Saturday and is being held on $40,000 bond at the time of this report, records show.
Officers responded Friday evening to the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive to follow up on a report of possible animal abuse, the Edgewater Police Department said on social media.
The stakeholders of the home had reportedly just been granted access to the property following “a long-standing civil dispute,” during which time had McGinnis vacated it, the news release states, adding neighbors confirmed that they had not seen her in about a year.
Police reported seeing “a tragic and disturbing case of prolong neglect” at the home, what officers said was rife with animal feces and severe disrepair “rendering the property uninhabitable.”
Officers located the remains of seven pets — two dogs, two cats and three birds — which were all in advanced stages of decomposition, police said. Investigators believe the pets died from prolonged starvation and dehydration, citing no signs of food or water available for them, according to the release.
McGinnis was located in Daytona Beach and interviewed by police. She allegedly told investigators that she asked a friend to look after the animals when she moved out and left them there a year ago, yet she couldn’t provide a name or contact information and reportedly admitted that she never checked on the pets’ well-being.
Edgewater Animal Control removed the animals from the property “for respectful handling and final disposition,” the release states.
Edgewater Police have arrested Danielle McGinnis for seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty after officers discovered the decomposed remains of multiple pets left to die in an abandoned home on Pine Tree Drive.
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This was a disturbing and entirely preventable tragedy. If you cannot care for your animals — there is no excuse to leave them behind. There are resources available. You can surrender animals to local shelters. You can ask for help. But letting innocent pets starve to death alone is criminal, heartless, and will not be tolerated in our community.
If you suspect animal abuse or neglect, report it immediately. EPD will investigate, and we will pursue justice.
Animals don’t have a voice — be theirs.
Edgewater Police Department on Facebook | 10:03 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2025 (excerpt)