HOMOSASSA, Fla. — A Homosassa mother and daughter are facing charges related to animal cruelty after authorities reportedly removed two children from their home and rescued 18 animals due to "inhumane and unhealthy living conditions."
The Citrus County Sheriff's Office says its animal control unit has been monitoring issues regarding loose dogs and allegations of neglect after receiving 38 calls regarding a home in the area of West Akazian Lane and South Hamburg Terrace.
The homeowner, 42-year-old Melissa Heward, was told by authorities multiple times to get the animals in the home up-to-date on rabies vaccines, county licenses, care for minor medical issues and lessen the number of dogs she owns to make caring for them more manageable, according to a press release.
In February, Heward was reportedly told to provide medical care for three dogs suffering from skin issues and hair loss, to which she complied.
The animal control unit then returned in June for a follow-up visit and reported that conditions inside her home had gotten slightly worse, but still did not warrant removing the animals.
She was once again told to decrease the number of dogs she cared for, and ultimately gave up three puppies and five cats by the end of this visit, CCSO says.
Officials say they continued making several follow-up visits afterward, but would sometimes find no one home or Heward would refuse to allow them into her home.
Animal control unit officials made another visit on Thursday after neighbors began reporting frequent dog fights coming from Heward's home.
She reportedly surrendered two dogs following the visit but also admitted she did not get the remaining animals the required rabies vaccinations like she was told to do.
Citrus County officials say they advised her to give veterinary care for dogs that received minor injuries from the dog fights.
In another visit on Monday, authorities say they came back to ensure medical care was provided to the animals. They were allowed inside the home for the first time since June.
The agency says Heward's home conditions got "significantly" worse compared to their last visit and requested that CCSO deputies respond. County Code Enforcement also arrived at the home after it was considered an "unsafe structure."
The sheriff's office seized 11 dogs and five cats who reportedly had minor medical issues and had not been previously provided proper care.
Authorities then called the Department of Children and Families (DCF) after they said two children were found living in the home. Both of them were removed from the home.
Heward's daughter, 21-year-old Samantha Heward, was also living in the home and claimed ownership and care of the cats.
Both women were arrested, with Melissa Heward facing 10 counts of animal cruelty and neglect and Samantha Heward facing four counts of animal cruelty and neglect and aggravated animal cruelty.
"These arrests serve as a reminder that our community will not tolerate animal cruelty or neglect," Sheriff Mike Prendergast said in a statement. "We are committed to protecting all lives, including those of animals, and ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable."
The animals were surrendered to the county and are being medically evaluated and receiving care.
