The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested two individuals on felony animal cruelty charges Wednesday after discovering what detectives describe as an extreme case of animal hoarding at a Marco Island residence.
Olga Murphy, 62, and her husband Igor Mursalimov, 54, were taken into custody following a joint operation involving CCSO, Collier County Domestic Animal Services, Collier County Code Enforcement Animal Control Division, and the Marco Island Police Department. The couple, who held an active license to breed cats for sale, are now being held in the Collier County jail.
Authorities served a civil inspection warrant at the couple’s home at 1740 Piedmont Court, where they found 57 living cats, primarily Maine Coons, in various states of medical distress. Additionally, investigators discovered approximately 15 to 20 deceased cats stored in a freezer located in the living room.
Detectives reported finding a “quarantine room” housing 24 cats suffering from untreated medical issues. The residence was filled with trash, animal waste, and lacked proper air circulation. Among the most severe cases was a cat named Irene, who had been missing an eye and left in pain without veterinary care since 2023. Detectives believe the couple subjected Irene to torment.
A Domestic Animal Services veterinarian provided immediate on-site triage for the surviving animals. Investigators also seized hundreds of veterinary medications, many labeled in Russian.
“This continues to be an active investigation as further evaluations and necropsies are underway,” authorities stated.
Sheriff Rambosk commended the coordinated efforts that led to the rescue, stating, “Animal cruelty has no place in Collier County and we will continue to work aggressively to hold offenders accountable.”
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.