CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A 24-year-old woman is behind bars this week after Citrus County authorities uncovered a gruesome scene at a local property marketed as an animal sanctuary.
Jordyn Hess, the owner of the self-proclaimed “Hess Haven” rescue, was taken into custody Monday following a welfare check that revealed dozens of animals living in squalor or already deceased.
When deputies arrived at the residence on E. Oak Court in Floral City, they were met with conditions that veteran investigators described as deeply disturbing.
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According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, several dead cats were found stuffed inside trash bags, while a deceased dog was located locked inside a small transport carrier. In a nearby chicken coop, investigators found the remains of three birds.
The animals that survived were found in equally grim circumstances. Inside the home, ten animals—one dog and nine cats—were living in rooms filled with waste and overflowing litter boxes.
An unventilated exterior shed contained another twelve cats that had been left without any access to food or water.
Agriculture Deputy Bo Gallant, a longtime investigator of animal crimes, noted that even after seeing hundreds of cases, the neglect at Hess Haven was particularly difficult to process.
“No matter how many cases you work, you never get used to seeing animals living and dying in conditions like these,” said Deputy Gallant. “These animals were living in conditions no creature should ever endure, and getting them out while holding someone accountable was our absolute priority.”
In total, 43 animals were seized from the property and moved to Citrus County Animal Services. Veterinarians and staff are currently evaluating the survivors and providing much-needed medical care.
Hess now faces a mountain of legal trouble. She was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility on 11 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and an additional 22 misdemeanor cruelty charges.
As the investigation continues, local officials are urging the public to do their homework before supporting private rescues.
They suggest that anyone looking to donate or rehome a pet should look for transparency, proper licensing, and a proven track record of care to ensure their contributions are actually helping animals in need.
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