Florida mom allegedly abandons children at hospital after blaming them for dog’s death

BUNNELL, Fla. (TMX) — A Florida mom is facing charges for allegedly abandoning her three children at a local hospital after blaming them for the death of a foster dog, authorities said.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to AdventHealth Palm Coast on April 30 after a 17-year-old boy told emergency room staff he had been left there by his mother because she was upset. The boy, who was not wearing shoes, reported that his 14-year-old and 13-year-old siblings had also been abandoned.

The children told deputies that their mother, 58-year-old Sandra Teague, had become extremely upset that morning, blaming the children after one of their dogs died.

The children said this was the first time their mother had dropped them off somewhere. They said that when she gets upset she usually locks them out of the house and forces them to sleep outside, which typically happens every other day.

On that day, however, one of their foster dogs died, and Teague allegedly blamed the children, telling them, “This is the last straw.” She then allegedly drove them to the hospital, told them to get out, then drove away.

When deputies arrived at Teague’s residence, they “became further concerned” about the kids’ care and living conditions, “which included the front door area of the residence reeking of garbage and animal feces throughout the residence on the floors and walls.”

The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified and responded to the scene. A search warrant was executed at the home, and deputies found 44 live dogs, three live pigs, one live cat, and one live snake, which were turned over to Palm Coast Animal Control. There were also multiple deceased animals in kennels.

“Based on this investigation, she will never receive a Mother of the Year award,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “No child should ever have to live in these disgusting conditions or be treated like this.”

Teague was arrested on three counts of child neglect. She was being held at the Flagler County Jail on a total $150,000 bond, at $50,000 for each of the three charges.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and additional charges are likely to follow.

“Not only does she not treat or care for her children properly, but she should never own or be a foster provider for helpless animals ever again,” Staly said.