A veterinarian and her husband were arrested after Polk County Sheriff's Agricultural Crimes Detectives seized 28 miniature horses, 2 full-sized horses, and 8 dogs from their home that were neglected. 

  • Veterinarian and husband charged with animal cruelty
  • Dozens of horses, 8 dogs seized from home
  • All neglected and not properly cared for
  • Animals left in cages in uninhabitable home

Dr. Gail Anne Nichols, 66, and Paul Craig Smith, 74, are charged with three counts felony animal cruelty, one count misdemeanor animal cruelty, and five counts confinement of animals without sufficient food, water, or shelter. 

The investigation began after PCSO received a tip about animals not being properly cared for at the home. Dr. Nichols told deputies that she practices veterinary medicine part-time at Gulfport Veterinary Clinic, in Gulfport, and Animal Emergency of Pasco, in Port Richey. 

The animals found at her home are personally owned by her and are not affiliated with a veterinary practice. 

Deputies said five of the eight dogs were living in cages inside the main home without access to water. The home emitted a very strong odor of ammonia, deputies said, was infested with rats, and had clutter piled to the ceiling with small pathways for walking. The home was without air conditioning and uninhabitable for humans, deputies said. Nichols and Smith were living in separate travel trailers on the property. 

One emaciated dog was loose and could access the house and back yard. The other two dogs were inside Smith's trailer. 

Three of the dogs were suffering from severe flea infestation and red inflamed skin, with one being 10-15 lbs underweight and another suffering from three untreated mammary tumors on her breast. 

Two McCaw type parrots were found inside the front porch in filthy cages and were missing feather on their chest. 

Deputies said 18 miniature horses were confined to a dirt pasture with access to hay. The other ten miniature horses had no access to hay or grass. 

Two full-sized horses were also in confined to a dirt pasture with no access to hay or grass. All of the horses did have access to water, deputies noted. 

Three of the miniature horses were found to have hooves that were severely overgrown to the point they were spiraled upwards, causing the horses lameness. 

Judd said those horses were in so much pain that they had to be put down.

“One of the miniature horses we were forced to euthanize had wire wrapped around the hoof and the skin, and actually the tissue had grown over that, where it cut off the blood flow,” said Judd. "The fact that a practicing, licensed veterinarian caused so much suffering to her own animals is extremely concerning. We hope from this point forward she is not allowed to own, or treat, any more animals."

The animals are currently being housed at PCSO facilities, pending custody hearings. Officials said Nichols and Smith are petitioning the court to retain ownership of the animals.