CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A Citrus County couple has been charged in a disturbing case of animal abuse after investigators found abhorrent conditions and emaciated animals.
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Animal Control Officers (ACO) responded to a residence on S Tyler Street in Beverly Hills in reference to a barking complaint.
When ACOs arrived, three small Chihuahuas ran loose in the front yard, which was filled with garbage. A strong smell of ammonia and feces was noticeable from outside the home. ACOs could not locate the residents but saw a bulldog-type puppy and a white husky through the window.
Read: Purple Alert: Search Underway In Tampa For Missing 23-Year-Old Kacey Leopard
ACOs then walked to the backyard, where they spotted a thin Chihuahua lying on a blanket that did not respond to ACOs for several minutes.
The Chihuahua tried to run away when ACOs attempted to pick her up, but she fell over several times – she was taken to Citrus County Animal Services for immediate care.
Fearing that the homeowner may need medical attention, deputies and ACOs entered the cluttered home, which had no power. They saw the kitchen floor was covered in feces, urine, and trash. The rest of the house was in similar condition – trash was everywhere, and spiderwebs, feces, and mold covered every surface.
A large, thin husky was located in a wire crate without a plastic tray and with four empty bowls, all coated in urine and feces.
Every inch of the husky’s body was wet and caked with feces. ACOs could see her hip bones and several open wounds through the husky’s thick fur.
Read: Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd: Murder Suspect Enrique Martinez Is In Custody
Another husky was lying on a slimy, sticky couch that was covered in feces with mold growing on it. There were a few partially filled food bowls throughout the home, but no water sources for the dogs.
As ACOs were loading the last dog into their vehicle to bring it to Citrus County Animal Services, 30-year-old Rory Alexander and 31-year-old Angelica Addison arrived at the residence.
The couple advised they are not currently living in the home but come back daily to care for the dogs. Both were arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.
All eight dogs at the house were signed over to the county and are receiving medical care at the shelter.
Read: St. Pete Police Investigating Murder-Suicide Of Husband And Wife At Assisted Living Facility
“There wasn’t an inch of this house that wasn’t covered in feces, urine, or garbage. There is zero excuse to force innocent animals to live in these disgusting conditions,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “I am thankful for the individual who called us to report the abhorrent treatment of these dogs, and I urge anyone who sees possible signs of animal abuse to do the same.”
Rory Alexander and Angelica Addison were each charged with three counts of felony aggravated animal cruelty and four counts of animal cruelty.
Android Users, Click To Download The Tampa Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Sign up for our free newsletter.