- Florida, USA -
Deputies with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office arrested three people following an animal cruelty investigation involving a residence in Inverness.
At the beginning of January 2024, Animal Control Officers responded to a residence on East Watson Street and upon arrival, they “noticed a strong odor of animal feces and ammonia outside of the residence”, said the sheriff’s office.
Officers made contact with 23-year-old CHELSEA MARIA ANN SAAVEDRA ST. HILAIRE (pictured), who advised there were three dogs living on the enclosed patio and an additional three living inside her residence.
When deputies and Animal Control Officers entered the residence, they found multiple piles of garbage bags mixed with animal feces. They also reported finding multiple soiled diapers and empty liquor bottles scattered throughout the bedroom.
Urine was found inside the bathroom, and in the kitchen were stacks of dirty dishes and two buckets with mold growing inside them.
The release by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office described the floors of the entire home as being “spongy and caked with feces” and many holes were also observed in the ceiling.
Many cats were found roaming inside the home but were able to come and go through windows.
An additional dog was found inside the home who had not been mentioned by ST. HILAIRE.
According to officers, there was little food and zero sources of water for any of the animals and most dogs had missing patches of fur due to fleas.
As officers continued their investigation, they discovered two juveniles living inside, one of which was crawling on the ground. The two children were immediately removed from the home.
The sheriff’s office said that a total of seven dogs were removed from the house as well as the cats roaming near the residence and they were all taken to the Citrus County Animal Shelter to be examined and treated.
Deputies arrested ST. HILAIRE, 68-year-old TINA JANE MADDOX , and 24-year-old ROBERT WAYNE BROOKS (all pictured). They were all charged with seven counts of animal cruelty.
Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast said: “The condition of this home was so disgusting that deputies and ACOs could not take a single step without their boot touching feces, urine, or both. No child or animal should ever have to experience living conditions such as this. I am thankful for the partnership between our team and the Citrus County Animal Shelter for saving these innocent young children and animals who cannot speak for themselves.”
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
Mugshots provided to Voice For Us by the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office
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What is up with Florida? This is the second report about a trashy nasty house, starving dogs, & now two children crawling on this disgusting feces lined floor?! Maybe instead of planning golf courses they truly should be concerned about the children & animals being neglected. Jeez, all these innocent souls deserve better.