A Marco Island couple arrested after authorities say they discovered dozens of neglected cats and more than a dozen dead felines faces new charges.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office announced June 16 that Olga Murphy, 62, and her husband, Igor Mursalimov, 54, were each additionally charged with 28 counts of confinement of animals — one count for each cat that was discovered inside a “quarantine room” in the couple’s Marco Island home.
Authorities said all 28 cats suffered from untreated medical conditions.
“These misdemeanor charges are in addition to the felony animal cruelty charge Murphy and Mursalimov already face in this case,” the sheriff’s office said.
According to the sheriff’s office, detectives with their Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance assisted animal control officers in serving a civil inspection warrant at the couple’s home on June 11.
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The sheriff’s office said authorities found 57 living cats in conditions ranging from mild illness to critical distress; between 15 and 20 dead cats stored in a freezer in the living room; a “quarantine room” with 24 cats suffering from untreated medical conditions; trash strewn about and floors soaked with feces, urine and vomit.
Authorities reported there was “little to no air circulation.”
Among the most severe cases, the sheriff’s office said, was Irene, a cat missing an eye and suffering without veterinary care since 2023. Sheriff’s officials said the initial investigation and physical evidence suggests the couple tormented Irene.
The sheriff’s office said their investigation remains active while authorities perform further evaluations and necropsies.
Their arraignments are July 7.
Tomas Rodriguez is a Breaking/Live News Reporter for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. You can reach Tomas at TRodriguez@gannett.com or 772-333-5501. Connect with him on Threads @tomasfrobeltran, Instagram @tomasfrobeltran, Facebook @tomasrodrigueznews and Bluesky @tomasfrodriguez.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Marco Island animal cruelty case: New charges for couple