A Collier County woman is facing felony charges after sheriff’s detectives rescued a severely neglected dog in her care on Monday.
According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Ida Marko, 29, was arrested and faces charges of aggravated animal cruelty after an investigation accused her of repeatedly failing to provide necessary medical care and grooming for her 12-year-old white Samoyed, despite earlier citations and a court fine.
The investigation began in November when a citizen found the dog, named Sammy, running loose on Sabal Ridge Lane and brought it to Collier County Domestic Animal Services.
Staff said Sammy was in severe dental distress and had such matted fur that they couldn’t determine its sex at first.
Animal control officers issued two citations requiring Marko to get veterinary care and grooming for the dog, which included a mandatory court appearance.
Deputies say Marko ignored multiple attempts by officers to check on the dog, admitted it had not been treated, and failed to appear in court. She was found guilty and fined $500, prompting a referral to the sheriff’s office.
Detectives said Sammy’s condition had worsened, with further restricted movement from the matted fur and signs of infections in the mouth and ears. A search warrant was obtained, and deputies removed the dog from the property. The court granted temporary custody to the sheriff’s office to ensure immediate care.
A veterinary team at the Patty Baker Humane Society of Naples evaluated the dog and diagnosed it with severe matting, an advanced tooth infection and chronic arthritis—conditions determined to be either preventable or treatable. The veterinarian concluded Sammy had endured ongoing and unnecessary pain.
Sammy is now safe and recovering at Domestic Animal Services. The sheriff’s office has filed a petition for full custody of the dog.
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