PALM COAST, Fla. — Deputies in Flagler County charged a woman who was operating an animal rescue with selling prescription narcotics and animal abuse.
Officials said Ruth Rupprecht was charged after search warrants were served Wednesday on West 16th Road and Sanchez Avenue in Palm Coast.
Rupprecht runs a non-profit animal rescue called SAFFARI (Save A Furry Friend Animal Rescue, Inc.), according to a report.
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Officials said Rupprecht adopted out a puppy for a fee in May. A few days later it was reported ill, and she sent the adopter a bottle of prescription azithromycin.
According to a report, the animal shortly later died of parvovirus and Rupprecht told deputies the puppy medication she mailed was provided to her in a “donation box” for her rescue business.
Deputies said they told Rupprecht that it was illegal to dispense and mail antibiotics she said that it wouldn’t happen again.
According to a report, Rupprecht continued to sell large quantities of medications from her home on 16th Road.
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During the investigation, detectives received an email from the Bureau of Compliance, Division of Consumer Services with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Deputies were told Rupprecht’s animal rescue was no longer registered with them as a charitable organization, making it illegal to accept donations or contributions.
Deputies searched the animal rescue location and Rupprecht’s home where they allegedly found more than $20,000 in cash, along with multiple notes that are believed to be orders for various prescription medications.
Over 100 prescription medications were found throughout Rupprecht’s home, ranging from morphine to antibiotics from various pharmacies and doctors throughout the country, deputies said.
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According to a report, many of the prescriptions were for people who did not live in the home and whom she did not know.
Deputies also searched the property and found 17 dogs, 28 cats, a squirrel, and a deceased kitten in filthy conditions.
Since the animals were seized, another kitten died, officials said.
Due to the deaths and conditions of the animals, deputies are investigating Rupprecht for animal cruelty.
“Here’s a lady that uses innocent animals to support her drug-dealing by using them to purchase prescription medications and sell the drugs to human customers for personal use,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in a news release. “This is also why you should always thoroughly check out all non-profits you support to make sure they are legitimate. This was a sad situation for all the animals involved but I’m glad to see they’ve been taken to safety. Hopefully, this woman never gets to own an animal again and gets to spend time behind bars for thinking she can sell drugs in Flagler County and neglect animals.”
Flagler Animal Services has taken custody of all 46 animals while the investigation continues.
Deputies said as the animals were being rescued, it was discovered that they were all ill and needed medical attention.
Anyone looking to help the animals can donate unopened food to the Flagler Humane Society at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast or adopt one of the rescued animals in the future.
Anyone with information about this animal rescue is asked to call the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office at 386-313-4911 or email TIPS@FlaglerSheriff.com.
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