A Florida woman has been arrested and charged with child neglect after allegedly abandoning her three children at a hospital following the death of the family’s dog. Sandra Teague, 58, of Palm Coast, faces three counts of child neglect following the April 30 incident.
Abandonment at the Hospital
Deputies from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) responded to a call at AdventHealth Palm Coast after a 17-year-old boy walked into the emergency room wearing socks but no shoes. He told hospital staff that his mother, Sandra Teague, had dropped him off and was upset. His two younger siblings, a 14-year-old and a 13-year-old, were also at the hospital.
The children told deputies that their mother had been extremely upset earlier in the day after one of their dogs died and blamed them for it. According to the children, Teague yelled “This is the last straw,” before driving them to the hospital, telling them to get out of the car, and then leaving.
Prior Abuse and Neglect
The children also shared that Teague had a history of locking them out of the house and making them sleep outside when she became upset, often as frequently as every other day. This was the first time, however, that she had abandoned them at a location.
Horrific Living Conditions
When deputies visited the family home, they discovered appalling living conditions. The front door area reeked of garbage, and the residence was covered in animal feces. A search of the home uncovered 44 dogs, three pigs, a cat, a snake, and multiple deceased animals in kennels. Palm Coast Animal Control removed the animals from the residence.
Ongoing Investigation
The Florida Department of Children and Families was called to the scene to assist with the case. Sheriff Rick Staly condemned the situation, stating, “No child should ever have to live in these disgusting conditions or be treated like this.”
Teague was arrested and is being held without bond at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. The investigation is still ongoing, and Teague may face additional charges.
