INVERNESS, Fla. — Citrus County deputies wrapped up a four-month-long investigation into animal cruelty allegations by bringing felony charges against a couple in Inverness after finding over 100 neglected animals on the property, including 29 dogs.
Over the course of the investigation, Animal Control officers found the dogs and more than 70 fowl of varying species (including chickens and turkeys) were suffering from neglect. The dogs did not have a kennel license or current vaccinations. One of them, a 7-year-old German Shepherd named Thor, appeared to be suffering from an ear infection and hip problems.
The county's investigation into the couple and the neglected animals began on July 31 amid allegations that a couple living at a house on the East McCartney Loop had over 16 dogs and 40 chickens and turkeys on their .22-acre lot, with animals suffering from neglect.
Animal control officers spent the following months investigating the allegations and checking on the animals and despite minimal cooperation from the residents, 66-year-old Faustino Alfredo Valladares and 46-year-old Patricia Maria Villadamigo.
Investigators said Valladares and Villadamigo refused to provide treatment for Thor, even after authorities issued them a citation and a mandate to get him treated within 24 hours. Villadamigo ultimately refused to allow officers to check on Thor or any of the other animals on their property.
Investigators ended up serving the couple with a search warrant in order to rescue Thor from the property so he could receive the treatment he needed. Valladares and Villadamigo were both charged with one count of felony animal cruelty each. Villadamigo was also charged with resisting arrest and obstructing a search warrant.
Ultimately, investigators found 18 adult dogs, 11 puppies, and 73 varying species of fowl, one of which was dead, on the property. The animals were all surrendered to the authorities and given to Citrus County Animal Services where they will be treated.