50 Dogs Rescued From ‘Filthy Conditions’ in Illegal Golden Gate Estates Breeding Operation

GOLDEN GATE ESTATES, Fla. — Fifty dogs were rescued from what authorities described as filthy and unsafe conditions at an illegal dog breeding operation in Golden Gate Estates, leading to the arrest of a 63-year-old Collier County woman.

According to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), the investigation began after deputies received a complaint about unhealthy dogs being sold from the residence of Olga Kapishon along 12th Avenue SE. Collier County Code Enforcement inspected the property in September 2025 and revoked Kapishon’s breeder permit after documenting multiple violations related to the care and housing of the animals.

Despite the permit revocation, CCSO said Kapishon remained noncompliant and continued breeding and selling dogs.

Undercover detectives later posed as potential buyers and contacted Kapishon using a phone number listed on a website hosted on puppies.com. Investigators said Kapishon allowed them onto the property but refused entry into the home where the dogs were being kept. Instead, she brought several puppies and their parents outside for viewing.

Deputies reported that some of the dogs had severely matted hair and were visibly soiled with urine and feces. One puppy was observed with a distended abdomen, which investigators said could indicate a parasitic infection such as worms.

According to CCSO, Kapishon claimed the puppies had received their first round of vaccinations but was unable to provide documentation. She also allegedly offered to administer the puppies’ second round of shots and deworming medication herself.

Based on the findings, deputies executed a search warrant at the property on Wednesday. During the search, investigators recovered a total of 50 dogs — 32 adult dogs and 18 puppies — living in what the sheriff’s office described as filthy conditions. Suspected vaccines and medications were also seized from the property.

Investigators determined Kapishon was administering vaccines and medications without proper licensing while continuing to breed and sell puppies despite her suspended permit, CCSO said.

Kapishon was arrested and is facing 19 counts of failing to provide certified health certificates for dogs listed for sale, along with one count of practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

The sheriff’s office said all of the rescued dogs are currently undergoing medical evaluations. The investigation remains active, and additional charges could be filed pending the results of those examinations.