HERNANDO, Fla. — A pair of Citrus County siblings are facing animal cruelty charges after deputies said they were keeping dogs in "inhumane" living conditions.
In a Facebook post, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office said their animal control unit went to a home sometime last week in the city of Hernando regarding multiple dogs running loose in the area.
When officials arrived, they spoke to several neighbors asking who the animals belonged to. Eventually, they were directed to a home with the front door open, where dogs walked in and out.
Upon entering the house, CCSO reported the home was covered with animal feces, urine and household garbage "covering every inch of flooring." They also say they found wire crates with empty bowls that were also filled with feces and urine.
Citrus County siblings arrested in animal cruelty case
Six dogs were found living in the home, along with a small child, officials say.
Deputies said they reached out to the owner of the animals, Brianna Austin at her job where she works as a dog groomer. She reportedly gave officials contact information for her brother, Nicholas Austin, who they say was the second dog owner.
Investigators say Brianna Austin confirmed the young child was living in the home. The child, along with the six dogs, were removed from it.
The siblings were both charged with six counts of cruelty to animals. Further charges may be added, pending on other results from the investigation, deputies say.
