A Hobe Sound woman is in custody after Martin County deputies found that she had buried at least four of her cats alive in the yard of her home, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday night.
Deputies identified the woman as Alba Chavez, 37. The sheriff’s office said she told investigators she buried the animals because she believed they were demons. Patrol deputies and MCSO Animal Services investigators went to her home in the 11,000 block of Southeast Federal Highway, in the Hobe Sound Mobile Home Park, after she described the burials.
Deputies were able to save two of the cats. Two others were found dead. Investigators were digging up parts of the property to search for more animals, the agency said.
Chavez is expected to face multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty. The sheriff’s office called the case an active investigation and said deputies remained on the property.
The case is a reminder that animal cruelty crimes in Martin County are prosecuted even in small residential communities, and residents who suspect animal abuse can report it to the sheriff’s office.
