A West Palm Beach woman is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after investigators said her 7-year-old Yorkshire terrier, King, was so malnourished that veterinarians gave it the lowest possible body condition score before it was euthanized.
The case began Oct. 2, when Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control officers responded to Access Specialty Animal Hospital in Royal Palm Beach. Staff had reported suspected neglect after King arrived in critical condition with severe emaciation, a heavy flea infestation and signs of prolonged neglect.
According to an arrest affidavit, the attending veterinarian scored the dog 1 out of 9 on the Purina Body Condition Scale. The veterinarian said the dog was non-responsive, severely hypothermic and unable to breathe on its own. Despite emergency lifesaving measures, its condition did not improve.
The veterinarian told investigators the decline developed over weeks or months, not suddenly, and that the emaciation was among the most severe she had seen in her career. She concluded the suffering was most likely caused by prolonged neglect and a lack of adequate care.
Hospital staff identified Charlynn Marseille, 33, as the person who brought the dog in. Investigators confirmed ownership through animal records and an interview at her West Palm Beach home, where she acknowledged owning the dog. Investigators also referenced a 2023 complaint in which a caller said King had been left alone for days without food.
Marseille was arrested Oct. 14 and charged with aggravated animal cruelty causing excessive pain or suffering. Jail records were not included in the source report.
