‘Long and painful deaths’ Dog training facility owner arrested after three dogs die

Palm City , Fl- The owner of a now closed training facility was arrested after an investigation into the deaths of multiple dogs entrusted into her care.

Nikki Camerlengo was charged with one count of felony animal abuse.

Investigators with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office said at least three dogs died while at Camerlengo’s facility, Pawsitively Paradise.

Here are the details from the Martin County Sheriff:

NECROPSIES REVEAL BLUNT FORCE TRAUMA TO BE CAUSE OF DEATH OF DOGS THAT MYSTERIOUSLY DIED WHILE IN THE CARE OF PALM CITY BOARDING/TRAINING FACILITY. OWNER OF PAWSITIVELY PARADISE CHARGED WITH FELONY ANIMAL CRUELTY

After months of investigating the suspicious and untimely deaths of dogs left in the care of Nikki Camerlengo, owner of Pawsitively Paradise in Palm City, necropsy results from two forensic facilities concluded that the animals died as a result of blunt force trauma.

A short time ago, Martin County Sheriff’s Warrants Detectives with the assistance of the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, located and arrested Camerlengo in Ft. Pierce, where she was said to have moved her dog training and boarding business after MCSO opened a criminal investigation into the deaths.

Martin County Criminal Investigation Detective Christine Polizzi spent weeks trying to determine why Beau, a 2-year-old Cavapoo puppy; Flurie, a 15-year-old Goldendoodle; and Mako, a 2-year-old Flat Coat Retriever, all of which were in the sole care of Nikki Camerlengo at different times for training, boarding, or grooming, suddenly died without explanation. All of the dogs were in good health prior to being taken to Pawsitively Paradise.

Detective Polizzi worked closely with ASPCA forensic experts at labs in Florida, then a second lab in Texas, where MCSO sent the remains of Beau and Flurie to be examined. Even though the dogs were in the care of Camerlengo one month apart, the report revealed that Beau’s injuries were severe and included blows to the neck, chest, belly, and private areas causing hemorrhaging to the brain. Flurie also died from acute hemorrhaging of the brain. Mako, who mysteriously died in 2022, drowned on his own vomit, according to a private necropsy completed by the family after his death. Because so much time had passed, MCSO could not send his remains to experts to determine what caused him to aspirate and die. Forensic experts revealed that the dogs did not die quickly, instead they succumbed to long and painful deaths.

Since media reports surfaced about MCSO’s investigation into Camerlengo, multiple other reports emerged about healthy dogs, mostly dogs under four years old, mysteriously dying or becoming severely injured while in Nikki Camerlengo’s care. Some dating back several years. Due to a lack of medical records, because the dogs were cremated or the deaths initially went unreported, MCSO could not include them in our criminal investigation.

As part of a special bond condition, a Martin County Judge ordered that Camerlengo not possess or be responsible for any animals until further order of the court. She has been charged with one Felony count of animal cruelty in Beau’s death. Additional charges are expected. Because Camerlengo was arrested in Ft. Pierce, she was taken to the St. Lucie County Jail.

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