SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. – The woman arrested after “numerous starving dogs and cats” were found in her Altamonte Springs home in 2023 was sentenced to seven years in prison, according to a news release from the 18th Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office.

Officers responded to Tonya Grose’s home along Ballard Street on Sept. 18, 2023, after Seminole County Animal Services requested a welfare check.

Altamonte Springs police reported that they could smell the “pungent odor of urine and feces coming from inside the residence.”

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Investigators said they found emaciated dogs in cages without food or water, birds in cages filled with feces and cockroaches, and several cats inside the home with more than 40 animals that were ultimately surrendered to Seminole County Animal Services.

According to the release, they also found trash bags full of dead dogs, cats and kittens inside of a shed on the property.

Grosep, 38, pleaded no-contest on Monday to charges including:

• 13 counts of felony cruelty to animals causing death, pain or suffering

• 10 counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals

“In all, Animal Services officers removed 26 dogs, 13 cats and two exotic birds from GROSE’s home in 2023, county reports said. Two dogs died in officers’ presence. Neighbors had long noticed the stench” from her home, the release read in part.

Officials said that Grose had registered a pet rescue business at the home, but admitted to not having money or food to properly care for the animals.

In addition to the seven years in prison, Grose must serve 10 years of probation after her release. She will not be allowed to own animals during that time, according to the release.