A Florida couple already facing felony animal cruelty charges in what authorities describe as an “extreme case of animal hoarding” now faces an additional 28 misdemeanor counts.
Olga Murphy, 62, and Igor Mursalimov, 54, of Marco Island, were each charged Friday with 28 counts of confinement of animals, one for each of the suffering cats found in a “quarantine room” within their home.
The new charges stem from the discovery of 28 cats in severe, untreated medical distress during a multi-agency rescue operation Wednesday. All of these felines were found within a designated “quarantine room” at the couple’s residence on Piedmont Court.
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Murphy and Mursalimov made their first court appearance on Thursday, where their bond was set at $20,000. They remain in custody at the Collier County jail as the investigation continues to unfold.
The Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spearheaded the initial rescue efforts on Wednesday, working in conjunction with Collier County Domestic Animal Services, Collier County Code Enforcement Animal Control Division, and the Marco Island Police Department. The collaborative effort led to the safe removal of dozens of cats, now receiving much-needed care.
Sheriff Rambosk commended the swift action, stating, “I’m proud of the swift action our detectives and partners took to remove these animals from an unhealthy environment so they can get the necessary care. Animal cruelty has no place in Collier County, and we will continue to work aggressively to hold offenders accountable.”
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Detectives with the CCSO Animal Cruelty Investigations Alliance, assisting animal control officers, served a civil inspection warrant at the couple’s residence. What they discovered inside was profoundly disturbing:
- Fifty-seven living cats found in conditions ranging from mild illness to critical distress.
- Approximately 15-20 deceased cats shockingly stored in a freezer within the living room.
- The aforementioned “quarantine room” housing 28 cats suffering from untreated medical conditions.
- Floors saturated with feces, urine, and vomit, amid strewn trash, and little to no air circulation.
Among the most heart-wrenching discoveries was a cat named Irene, missing an eye and enduring pain without veterinary care since 2023. Investigators suggest initial evidence indicates the couple tormented Irene.
The rescued cats, predominantly Maine Coons, are particularly concerning given that detectives found the couple held an active license to breed cats for sale.
A veterinarian from Domestic Animal Services provided on-site triage during the rescue. Authorities also seized hundreds of veterinary medications, some labeled in Russian.
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