FLAGLER ESTATES, Fla. -- Dozens of farm animals seized from a Flagler Estates home won't have to return to the couple accused of abusing and neglecting them, a judge has ruled.
In court Wednesday, St. Johns County Judge Charles Tinlin awarded custody of the 39 animals to the St. Johns County Sheriff's Office and banned the couple accused of abusing them from owning animals until they can prove they can properly care for them, according to the Sheriff's Office.
Tammy Marie Denes and Donald Eugene Dunbar, both 40, face 39 counts each of animal cruelty, the Sheriff's Office said. That's after authorities reportedly removed 17 cows, 11 goats, nine pigs and two horses from "poor living conditions" at a home in the 10000 block of Nikolitch Avenue Aug. 22.
Judge Tinlin forbade the couple indefinitely from owning any animals until they could demonstrate the "ability and willingness" to feed, shelter and care for them. He also ordered them to repay the Sheriff's Office nearly $5,300 in costs that had piled up since the agency seized the livestock.
The animals are set to be auctioned at some point and the Sheriff's Office is encouraging those who can care for them to come forward.
Meanwhile, Denes and Dunbar remain free on bonds of $39,000.
