A couple in Florida was taken into custody and their children and pets were taken away from the house after deputies discovered the residence was covered in excrement, urine, and trash.
Michael Clayton Howey, 36, and Brenda Darla Howey, 37, were charged with thirteen counts of animal cruelty. They are currently being held at the Citrus County Detention Facility on a combined bond of $13,000.
Following a complaint from Code Enforcement about the accumulation of junk and garbage outside the house, Animal Control officers and deputies from the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Beverly Hills.
Upon arrival, deputies encountered Mr. and Mrs. Howey, who disclosed that they resided in the house with two children, ten dogs, and three cats.
Upon entering the residence, deputies were met with a strong smell of ammonia and a chaotic scene with items strewn across the floor. They also observed dried feces in various areas of the house, including a significant amount in the laundry room, which was also filled with debris.
The children were found with feces on their feet and between their toes. Deputies had to be cautious not to slip on the urine-soaked floor.
According to the affidavit, deputies reported that the entire house was filled with garbage and showed signs of neglect.
Sheriff Mike Prendergast expressed his disgust at the situation, stating, “It is appalling to see so many irresponsible individuals neglecting to provide a safe living environment for their children and pets. No living being should endure such deplorable conditions as witnessed in this case. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our animal control unit and code enforcement, these victims will not have to endure this neglectful environment again.”
The children were taken out of the home and placed with family friends, while the animals were relocated to the Citrus County Animal Shelter.
Florida couple arrested; 2 kids, 13 pets removed from home covered in feces, urine
A Florida couple was arrested recently after authorities discovered a horrifying scene at their home. The couple had been living in deplorable conditions, with their residence covered in feces and urine. In addition, two children and thirteen pets were found living in the squalid environment, prompting immediate action from law enforcement and animal control agencies.
The Arrest
The couple, whose names have not been released to the public, were arrested on charges of child neglect and animal cruelty. The conditions inside their home were described as unsanitary and unsafe for human or animal habitation. The stench of urine and feces was overwhelming, and it was clear that the children and pets had been living in filth for an extended period of time.
The Children
Upon entering the home, authorities found two children, aged 6 and 10, living in squalor. The children were immediately removed from the home and placed in the care of child services. They showed signs of neglect and malnutrition, and it was clear that they had been living in extremely unhealthy conditions.
The Pets
In addition to the two children, authorities also found thirteen pets living in the home. The pets, which included dogs, cats, and rabbits, were in poor health and living in cramped, dirty cages. Animal control officers removed the pets from the home and transported them to a local animal shelter for care and rehabilitation.
Repercussions
The Florida couple now faces serious legal repercussions for their actions. In addition to child neglect and animal cruelty charges, they may also be required to undergo counseling and parenting classes in order to regain custody of their children. The fate of the pets will depend on their condition and the outcome of the investigation.
Preventing Child Neglect and Animal Cruelty
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting suspected cases of child neglect and animal cruelty. If you suspect that a child or animal is living in an unsafe environment, it is crucial to contact local authorities so that they can investigate and intervene. By speaking up and taking action, we can help prevent further harm to innocent victims.
Conclusion
The Florida couple arrested for child neglect and animal cruelty is a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and intervention in cases of abuse and neglect. By working together as a community, we can help protect children and animals from harm and ensure that they receive the care and support they need.
