Animal “rescuer” charged with animal cruelty, held on $ 50,000 bond

On October 6, a local “animal rescuer” and owner of SAFFARI (Save A Furry Friend Animal Rescue Inc.) was arrested on charges of drugs and animal cruelty. The suspect, Ruth Rupprecht, had been under investigation since May 2021, after a puppy was adopted by her organization and died a few days later.

Detectives opened a further investigation into Rupprecht on September 15, after a search warrant was served on 6 W. 16th Road in The Hammock. The search warrant initially covered the sale of prescription drugs sold from the residence. During the search warrant, over $ 20,000 in cash, over 100 prescription drugs and 46 animals were seized from the property. The conditions of the animals found during the search led detectives to open another animal cruelty investigation, which resulted in a felony arrest warrant against Rupprecht on new drug and human cruelty charges. animals on October 5.

“I am happy to see that she is facing the consequences of her actions,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I am proud of the Serious Affairs Unit, our Farm Crimes Unit and the Detective Team for continuing to build a case against this woman. We will not tolerate poison peddlers, especially those who use innocent animals as a front to hide their illegal activity in Flagler County.

Rupprecht was arrested on October 6 on charges of possession of morphine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a legendary drug with intent to sell, distribute or deliver, and 10 counts of animal cruelty. She is being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on $ 50,000 bond.