Palm Coast animal rescue owner arrested on animal cruelty, drug distribution charges

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. — The owner of an animal rescue organization in Palm Coast is accused of using the operation as a front to sell illegal prescription drugs.

Flagler County deputies say Ruth Rupprecht, 59, had been under investigation since May when one of her puppies died just days after it was adopted.

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According to Rupprecht’s arrest report, in mid-September, a detective was granted a search warrant for the “Save A Furry Friend Animal Rescue, Inc.” property on 16th Rd. in Palm Coast after a controlled purchase of prescription drugs from the home.

It was during the search for drugs when detectives noticed the state of the animals in the home and amended the warrant to include potential animal cruelty offenses.

In the report, Investigators noted a “magnitude” of garbage around the home and dozens of cats and dogs in extremely poor condition that prevented them from carrying out the search for drugs.

In addition to approximately $20,000 in cash and hundreds of tablets of different prescription drugs, detectives seized 46 animals from the property.

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Despite being rushed to a veterinarian, one kitten that was found in the home later died, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives secured a warrant and Rupprecht was arrested at the home Wednesday for possession of drugs with intent to sell and 10 separate counts of cruelty to animals.

“I’m glad to see she’s facing consequences for her actions,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We will not tolerate poison peddlers, especially those that use innocent animals as a front to hide their illegal activity in Flagler County.”

Detectives noted Rupprecht was in possession of a small dog and two more kittens at the time of her arrest.

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Rupprecht is being held at the Flagler County jail on $50,000 bond.

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Cox Media Group