Sheriff – NBC 6 South Florida

The owner of a Florida animal training and boarding facility was arrested after it was discovered that several dogs in her care had mysteriously died from blunt force trauma, authorities said.

Nikki Camerlengo, owner of Pawsitively Paradise in Palm City, was arrested on animal cruelty charges in connection with the death of one of the dogs, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

According to the sheriff’s office, the arrest came after a weeks-long investigation into the deaths of Beau, a 2-year-old Cavapoo puppy, Flurie, a 15-year-old Goldendoodle, and Mako, a 2-year-old Flat Coated Retriever.

All three dogs were in Camerlengo’s sole care at different times and died suddenly and without explanation. All were in good health before being taken to Pawsitively Paradise, the sheriff’s office said.

Forensic experts from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals examined Beau and Flurie’s remains in labs in Florida and Texas and made disturbing discoveries, the sheriff’s office said.

Beau’s injuries were severe and included blows to the neck, chest, abdomen and genital area, which caused a brain hemorrhage. Flurie also died of an acute brain hemorrhage, authorities said.

The experts concluded that the dogs suffered a long and painful death from blunt force trauma, the sheriff’s office said.

Mako, who died mysteriously in 2022, drowned in his own vomit, according to a private autopsy conducted by the family after his death. Too much time had passed to send his remains to experts for examination, authorities said.

Authorities said Camerlengo may also be responsible for the deaths of other dogs.