‘No excuse for this:’ Volusia County woman accused of starving, abusing several animals

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A 37-year-old Volusia county woman faces more than two dozen animal cruelty charges after deputies found several neglected animals at her home.

According to a news release, deputies responded to a home on East Beresford Ave. on Monday after 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 said they entered the home “based on the exigent circumstances” with the assistance of Volusia County Fire Rescue.

Once inside the residence, deputies found the malnourished animals living in filthy conditions, but no people, according to the release.

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Deputies said they started bringing 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.

According to the release, a young Basset hound, two cats, three geckos, and two birds were found dead in the home.

Animals rescued from the house included three hungry and dehydrated dogs, a tortoise, multiple snakes and lizards, and a tarantula.

Deputies said Ashley Taryn Boucher eventually returned to the home and told investigators that caring for the animals had become “too much.” She said she was living in the house, but claimed she did not realize the severity of her animals’ conditions.

According to the release, she told deputies that she fed the animals three to five times a week, but had gone five days straight without feeding them in the past. Based on their conditions, it appeared unlikely the animals fed even three or five times a week, deputies said.

“No excuse for this. Shame on anyone who subjects an innocent animal to this kind of life!” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood posted on social media. “If you can’t give your animals the care they need, reach out to a shelter or pet rescue. There are so many good ones here in Volusia County and Central Florida!!”

Investigator said 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,” the release read in part.

Boucher was arrested faces charges on 20 counts of aggravated animal cruelty and eight counts of confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or exercise. She was taken to the Volusia County jail on $54,000 bond, deputies said.