Overview

• Deputies first visited the Palatka home after an out-of-state relative requested a welfare check on Copeland’s teenage son and left when they were reassured that conditions were fine.
• A subsequent call led deputies and an agriculture detective to reenter the property and document layers of animal waste, garbage and debris throughout the house.
• Law enforcement found seven dogs in severe neglect, including two locked in a feces-covered bedroom and others deprived of food and water.
• Copeland was arrested Tuesday morning and charged with one count of child neglect, three counts of felony animal neglect and four counts of misdemeanor animal neglect, with bond set at $36,000.
• The dogs were surrendered to animal control and will undergo rehabilitation before being cleared for adoption.