A Florida mother and daughter are facing charges after authorities discovered two toddlers, 18 dogs, and cats living in “inhumane and unhealthy living conditions.”
Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, and Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, are charged with several counts of animal cruelty, according to a news release from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office.
“These arrests serve as a reminder that our community will not tolerate animal cruelty or neglect,” Sheriff Mike Prendergast stated. “We are committed to protecting all lives, including those of animals, and ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable.”
The charges followed a series of interactions between animal control officers responding to reports of loose dogs and mistreatment claims at a residence on West Akazian Lane in Homosassa, more than 70 miles north of Tampa.
Local animal control officers, who responded to many requests for service before the arrests, claimed they had attempted for months to work with Melissa Heward to get the dogs registered, medical attention, and rabies vaccines.
They also stated that they have constantly advised her to minimize the number of dogs she has to provide better care. While police say Melissa Heward followed a directive to give medical care for three dogs with skin concerns and hair loss in February, investigators returned in June for a follow-up and discovered that circumstances in the home had somewhat deteriorated. During subsequent check-ins, they likewise reported that no one was home. Melissa Heward declined to allow authorities inside on certain trips, according to the news release.
Officers responded on August 15, after neighbors reported hearing numerous dog fights. Officials said Melissa Heward consented to surrender two dogs and was instructed to seek veterinary care for canines that had minor injuries during the dog fights.
During a follow-up on Monday, animal control officials determined that circumstances inside the residence were “significantly worse than on any previous visit,” so they asked that sheriff’s deputies attend.
Eleven dogs and five cats were taken for “inhumane and unhealthy living conditions,” according to authorities. Several dogs and cats had minor medical conditions and had not received appropriate care. Samantha Heward, who also resided at the house, claimed ownership of the cats.
The Department of Youngsters and Families (DCF) took care of the two youngsters found within. County Code Enforcement also arrived because the residence was deemed hazardous, according to officials.
Melissa Heward was charged with 10 charges of animal cruelty for the 11 dogs that lived in her home, as well as two counts of child negligence. Samantha Heward is facing four counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.