A Florida woman, Sandra Teague, 58, has been arrested and charged with child neglect after allegedly abandoning her three children at a hospital. The incident took place on April 30, 2025, following the death of the family’s dog. Teague’s actions have sparked outrage, with authorities uncovering disturbing living conditions at her home.
Sandra Teague Arrested for Neglect After Abandoning Children
Teague, a Palm Coast resident, faces three counts of child neglect after deputies responded to a call at AdventHealth Palm Coast. According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO), the children, aged 17, 14, and 13, were abandoned at the hospital by their mother after she allegedly became upset over the death of their dog.
The 17-year-old arrived at the hospital barefoot and wearing only socks, informing staff that his mother had dropped him and his siblings off because she was upset. The children told deputies that Teague blamed them for the dog’s death and yelled, “This is the last straw,” before dropping them off at the hospital.
Allegations of Abuse and Previous Neglect
The children revealed that this was not the first instance of neglect. They stated that when Teague became upset, she would lock them out of the house and make them sleep outside, sometimes every other day. The children reported that they had never been dropped off at a hospital before, making this incident particularly disturbing.
Discovery of Horrific Living Conditions
Upon further investigation, deputies went to Teague’s home and found conditions that raised serious concerns. The front door area of the residence smelled of garbage, and animal feces were found throughout the house, including on the walls and floors. Authorities then executed a search warrant.
What they discovered was shocking: 44 dogs, three pigs, a cat, a snake, and several deceased animals in kennels. Palm Coast Animal Control removed the animals, and the Florida Department of Children and Families was notified. Teague’s home was deemed unfit for children or animals, and the neglectful conditions were considered a violation of basic care standards.
Teague Held Without Bond, Investigation Ongoing
Teague was arrested and taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she is being held without bond. Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly condemned the situation, stating, “No child should ever have to live in these disgusting conditions or be treated like this.” The investigation remains ongoing, and Teague may face additional charges related to her actions.
How to Report Child Abuse
If you suspect child abuse, please reach out to the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453. You can also visit www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free, confidential, and available 24/7 in over 170 languages.
