Photos for Headline Surfer /
TOP: Danielle D. McGinnis, 57, of Edgewater, Florida, was arrested on Friday, June 27, 2025, on seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death.
LEFT: The home in the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive, Edgewater, where seven animals were left behind without food or water for a year, Edgewater Police said, after the grisly discovery of their remains in an advanced state of decomposition in filthy conditions with feces everywhere.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
EDGEWATER, Fla. -- Edgewater Police have arrested a woman on multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty after discovering seven deceased pets left behind in the Pine Tree Drive home she abandoned a year ago.
On the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, officers from the Edgewater Police Department responded to a residence in the 3100 block of Pine Tree Drive, following a report related to possible animal abuse.
"The investigation revealed a tragic and disturbing case of prolonged neglect," said Edgewater Acting Police Chief Chas Geiger, who is also a captain.
He said access to the property had just been granted to stakeholders of the home after a long-standing civil dispute. The residence had been vacated approximately one year ago by 57-year-old Danielle McGinnis.
Upon entering the home, cops discovered deplorable living conditions, including widespread animal feces and severe disrepair, rendering the property uninhabitable.
While searching the premises, Edgewater cops located the remains of two dogs, two cats, and three birds — all in advanced stages of decomposition. There were no signs of food or water available for the animals, and investigators believe the pets died from prolonged starvation and dehydration.
While searching the premises, Edgewater cops located the remains of two dogs, two cats, and three birds — all in advanced stages of decomposition. There were no signs of food or water available for the animals, and investigators believe the pets died from prolonged starvation and dehydration.
Neighbors confirmed they had not seen McGinnis at the residence in nearly a year.
McGinnis was later located in Daytona Beach and interviewed by officers.
During the interview, she admitted to leaving the animals inside the home when she moved out a year ago. She claimed to have asked a "friend" to look after the animals, but could not provide a name or contact information, and admitted she never followed up on their well-being, Edgewater police said.
McGinnis was arrested and charged with seven counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in death. She was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. She remains behind bars on $40,000 bail.
Neighbors were understandably upset after learning of the suffering animals following the arrest of Danielle McGinnis, who was responsible for their well-being.
"If you take these animals in, you're supposed to love them and protect them and take care of them and treat them like family," Chris Alterio, a neighbor, told WESH Ch. 2. "Even whenever they can be a pain in the butt sometimes and chew up your furniture or whatever you still love them and take care of them."
"I was physically sick, I was nauseous," said Tara Sharpe, a neighbor. "I couldn't believe it happened so close to us right there, and we never knew."
Edgewater Animal Control removed the deceased animals from the property for respectful handling and appropriate final disposition.
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