WEEKI WACHEE, Fla. (CBS12) — Thirty dogs were found living in deplorable conditions at a central Florida property.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) said on March 7, an inspection warrant at a residence on Margot Road in northwest Hernando County. The inspection was prompted by suspicions of animal neglect.
At the scene, law enforcement discovered a horrific scene. All 30 dogs on the property — owned by Jose Gonzalez-Cruz — were living in inadequate conditions, according to the news release.
Twenty-two of the dogs either had no water, no access to water, or access to non-potable water, with some water buckets containing mold and dead lizards, the sheriff’s office stated.
Nine dogs were found to be underweight, with visible ribs and hip bones, while six dogs had noticeable sores and open bleeding wounds. Several dogs were confined in crates that were too small, lacking proper flooring, with only open wires touching the ground.
**Warning: Viewer discretion is advised. Shows animal injury.**
Four dogs were located on the front porch and another four on the back porch, both of which were rotting with holes in the wood. Many dogs had no access to dry ground, and the bottom of the kennels was muddy with a mixture of feces and urine, the sheriff’s office stated. The Animal Enforcement officer noted the overpowering smell coming from the area where the dogs were housed.
Despite the conditions, the Animal Enforcement officer observed that all the dogs appeared friendly toward people. Due to the conditions observed, Gonzalez-Cruz was issued a citation for animal mistreatment. All of the dogs, which are bulldog mixes, were impounded and transported to Animal Services.
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Gonzalez-Cruz is scheduled to appear in court on May 7. The dogs will remain at the shelter until a judge decides whether they should be returned to Gonzalez-Cruz or become the property of Animal Services.
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