Sign: Family Devastated By Discovery Of Beloved Pets Dead In Trusted Pet Sitter’s Car

Published: September 20, 2023 at 03:42 AM Author: PENNY EIMS

O’Fallon, Missouri – A Missouri family was devastated when they learned that their beloved pets, Gloria (a doodle), and Poodles, a rescue cat, were found dead in a trusted pet sitter’s car. The tragedy happened while the Love family was out of the country on a Mexican vacation.

Their pets were left in the care of someone they trusted – a family member who was staying with them. Tommie Love told KSDK News, “We usually have another sitter. We had this family member who we loved and trusted and had no idea or concern.”

However, the family realized that something was amiss when they could no longer see their pets on the home’s security cameras. The family demanded to see their dog on Facetime, but the petsitter, identified as Alicia Moellering, refused.

Growing concern for the pets’ welfare prompted Love’s son to visit the house. What he found was chilling. Love told the news agency:

“He found blood in the basement where the cat was supposed to be and the cat was gone. Eventually, she admitted the cat died and that Gloria had run away the day before.”

From afar, the family tried to help find their beloved dog.

But Gloria would never come home. Love describes the heartbreaking discovery made by her son:

“My son as he was leaving the house yesterday, he was walking to his car and he smelled a foul odor. He pinned it coming from the car, the sitter’s car.”

Love’s son used a hammer to access the car. Love described the heartbreaking discovery:

“He opened the car door and the first thing I saw was the cat’s body and then he pulled some other stuff and moved the camera away quickly and said, ‘I can’t let you see this.’ He found Gloria under a bunch of clothes in a laundry basket. The police think they’ve been in there dead since Tuesday and locked in a hot car for five days.”

Animal Victory has confirmed that Alicia Moellering was arrested and charged with two
counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance and two counts of Animal Neglect or
Abandonment. The case, #2311-CR03190, has been moved to the prosecutor’s office. Moellering posted bond on August 17, 2023, and she was fingerprinted on August 21, 2023. Her bond was $5,000 and she is not allowed to have any animals in her custody. Drugs at the residence were discovered by investigators and lab results later confirmed the substances to be Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.

The trial date has not yet been set.

Police in O’Fallon, Missouri, say the animals have been sent to the University of Missouri for necropsy examinations. Prosecuting Attorney Joseph G. McCulloch promises to prosecute this case aggressively.

“I appreciate all the concern with this case. Animal abuse is senseless and heinous. We take these crimes seriously and will prosecute these cases aggressively.”

Please help Prosecutor McCulloch by adding your name to the petition to let court officials know that you care about this cruelty case and the heartbreaking deaths of Poodles and Gloria!

We the undersigned demand that Alicia Moellering face the maximum punishment for each and every charge stemming from the death of Gloria and Poodles, pets she was entrusted to care for while the Love family was out of town. Moellering clearly had no regard for the lives of these innocent animals and she lied about what happened; she must be held accountable!

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News

SCCMO Prosecuting Attorney Press Releases

KSDK

Final Update 4/30/2025: Alicia Moellering was sentenced to 5 years supervised probation and court costs of $580.50, and15 days in the county jail for counts 3 and 4. We thank everyone who signed the petition, helping to keep this case active and relative in the court system! Your assistance helped keep this from being dismissed!!

Details:
Defendant counts 1 and 2 sentenced to four years MDOC; five years supervised probation with MOBDP&P; Defendant counts 3 and four sentenced to 15 days SCCDOC; Counts 3 and four served consecutive; No unlawful contact with victims, mental health evaluation and follow up all directed treatment; PAY $150.00 lab fee; Complete react program within six months. Substance abuse evaluation and follow all directed treatment. Submit to blood/breath/urine/hair sample at request of any law enforcement and/or probation officer; Hair follicle testing every 90 days at defendant’s expense; PAY $100.00 LERF; Consent to unannounced inspections of her home and property by animal control, law enforcement, and/or probation officer at any time during probation. No contact with animals including but not limited to pet stores, dog parks and other residences where animals reside. No hunting, no fishing. Pay all court costs and fees by due date, so ordered DJA/SCG. 
Filed By: Deborah Jean Alessi

Update 3/25/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the DA and judge. 

Update 1/25/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the DA and judge. 

Update 1/23/2024: Correction on case #2311-CR03190-01. First appearance 2/21/2024 at 9:00 a.m. C.S.T. Eleventh Judicial Circuit Court.

Update 1/10/2024: Animal Victory has learned that Alicia Moellering has been arraigned. Her attorney of choice filed on 12/26/2023 representing her; she has been fingerprinted. Her arraignment hearing is on 1/17/2024 at 9:00 a.m. The new Case #2311-CR-03190-01

Update 10/10/2023: Animal Victory spoke with the authorities and learned Alicia Moellering is still on the run as of September.  There has been a warrant out for her arrest. Case # 2311-CR-03190.

Prior signatures: 14521