Fort Lauderdale

Pompano Beach Woman Faces Animal Cruelty Charges

A Pompano Beach woman is accused of confining dozens of animals in their own feces, without access to food or water.

65-year-old Nancy Burgess was in a Fort Lauderdale courtroom Wednesday for animal cruelty and 75 other counts.

Her arrest stems from an investigation that began in July 2014. Deputies said Burgess ran a business called Dogarrific on 28th Street and Northeast 17th Avenue in Pompano Beach.

The business no longer exists and has been transformed into a beautiful health gym called Dance and Nutrition. Owner Emily Rivera said it didn't start out that way, "We really just had to try and scrub the walls and floor. Try to get rid of the smell, it was so bad."

Deputies said they found 38 puppies, dogs and cats living in feces and urine, and many in need of grooming and medical care.

"The stench from the feces and urine from the business, that when they went in, they had to wear masks," said Det. Michael Vadnal with the Broward Sheriff's Office.

Burgess also has multiple prior grand theft charges on her record.

Contact Us