Citrus County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers (ACOs) recently conducted an investigation into animal cruelty at a residence on East Watson Street in Inverness, resulting in the arrest of three individuals.
Upon arrival, ACOs were immediately struck by a strong odor of animal feces and ammonia emanating from the property. Chelsea St. Hilaire, 23, informed the officers that three dogs were housed on the enclosed patio and another three inside the residence. A further undisclosed dog was also discovered during the inspection.
The interior conditions were dire. Officers encountered multiple garbage bags intermixed with animal feces and urine in the bathroom, soiled diapers and empty liquor bottles strewn throughout the bedroom, and a kitchen cluttered with dirty dishes and moldy buckets. The entire floor was layered with feces, making navigation difficult without stepping in waste, and the ceiling showed multiple holes.
Two juveniles were found living in these conditions, with one crawling on the spongy, feces-covered floor. Several cats were also present, able to enter and exit through windows. The animals in the house were found to be without adequate food or water, and most dogs exhibited signs of flea infestation, evident from missing patches of fur.
Sheriff Mike Prendergast commented on the appalling conditions, emphasizing the severity of the situation for both the children and animals involved. He expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the Citrus County Animal Shelter in rescuing the affected individuals.
The two juveniles were immediately removed from the premises, and further charges concerning their welfare are pending. In total, seven dogs and several cats were rescued and taken to the Citrus County Animal Shelter for care.
The following individuals were arrested and charged with animal cruelty: