Unkept dogs, cats, ferret, snakes and bug infestation lands woman in jail on animal cruelty and child neglect charges
On the evening of December 7, Florida’s Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies responded to a Beverly Hills address regarding an animal cruelty complaint which resulted in the arrest of 38-year-old Shannon Marie Morgan on animal cruelty charges – and an additional charge of willful child neglect.
Immediately upon entering the residence, Sheriff’s Office personnel were overwhelmed by the pungent smell of ammonia. They initially observed several cages and glass aquariums containing snakes and rodents but also saw rats and cats running freely in the home.
Deputies said that It was blatantly obvious to them that the animals were deprived of all basic necessities. The build-up of fecal matter and urine in the house and cages caused an infestation of flies, roaches, and other bugs. Moving throughout the house officials were taken aback by the other deplorable conditions such as trash, dirty dishes, and rotten food scattered all throughout the residence which added to the bug infestation.
After moving into one of the bedrooms, deputies observed two more cages — one containing a ferret and another a dog. The ferret’s cage was littered with urine and feces and the dog’s cage was entirely too small. Both animals were deprived of food and water.
Entering the second bedroom, occupied by a juvenile, the trash was built up all over the floor creating a habitat for insects, where even the mattress was covered with roaches. Blood was also observed on the floor created by the loose cats eating a rat. When officials entered the third bedroom of the home, they located approximately 50 rodents in cages in addition to over 300 other rodents roaming freely.
“Abuse of any kind should not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast.
“The conditions of this residence and the animals in this case were so bad, Sheriff’s Office personnel were cautioned about making entry. Neither children nor animals should ever endure this type of environment. It is crucial that our citizens report any possible signs of child or animal neglect. Our Animal Control Officers, deputies and crime scene specialists once again have done a phenomenal job”
The woman was arrested on 12 counts of animal cruelty and one count of child neglect. Her total bond was set at $26,000. CCSO animal control officers removed seven cats, one dog, and one ferret from the home. The house has been secured for further investigation to include the removal of the other remaining animals.
(Source: CCSO)
Posted by Richard Webster Ace News Today / Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter
