Florida Mother & Daughter Arrested After18 Dogs & Cats Removed From “Inhumane & Unhealthy Living Conditions”

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A Florida mother and daughter face charges after deputies said they found two children and 18 dogs and cats living at a home in “inhumane and unhealthy living conditions.”

Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, and Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, face multiple animal cruelty charges, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

“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 arrests came after a series of exchanges between animal control officers responding to reports of loose dogs and neglect allegations at the home in Homosassa.

The home is a familiar location for local animal control officials who’d responded to numerous calls for service leading up to the arrests and where officials said they have tried for months to work with Melissa Heward to get the dogs licensed and receive proper medical care and rabies vaccinations.

They also said they have repeatedly suggested she reduce the number of dogs she owns to better care for them.

While officials say Melissa Heward complied with a mandate to provide medical care for three dogs with skin issues and hair loss in February, when officers returned in June for a follow-up they noted conditions in the residence had slightly deteriorated. They also reported during later check-ins that no one was home. On some visits, Melissa Heward refused to allow officers inside, the news release said.

Officers returned on Aug. 15, when neighbors reported hearing frequent dog fights. Officials said Melissa Heward agreed to surrender two dogs and she was told to get veterinary care for dogs that received minor injuries during the dog fights, authorities said.

During another follow-up on Monday, animal control officers discovered conditions inside the home were “significantly worse than on any previous visit,” and they requested sheriff’s deputies respond.

Eleven dogs and five cats were seized due to “inhumane and unhealthy living conditions,” officials said. Several dogs and cats had minor medical issues and hadn’t gotten proper care. Samantha Heward, who also lived in the home, claimed ownership of the cats.

Mother, daughter arrested after 2 kids, dogs and cats removed from 'inhumane' conditions: Cops

A Florida mother and daughter face charges after deputies said they found two children and 18 animals living at a home in "inhumane and unhealthy living conditions."

lawandcrime.com

This article says 18 animals were seized.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, and Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, both of Homosassa, on charges of animal cruelty and neglect.

This action came after Animal Control seized 18 animals from their residence on West Akazian Lane, a property with a history of 38 service calls related to loose dogs and allegations of neglect.

Despite previous attempts to address issues non-punitively, conditions inside the Heward home had severely declined. On August 19, Animal Control officers were finally allowed inside the home after neighbors reported frequent dog fights.

They discovered inhumane conditions, prompting the immediate seizure of 11 dogs and five cats. The animals exhibited signs of neglect, including minor injuries and lack of proper veterinary care.

Additionally, two minor children were found living in the deteriorated conditions, leading to their removal by the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The local County Code Enforcement also responded, deeming the house an unsafe structure.

Melissa Heward faces 10 counts of animal cruelty, while her daughter Samantha is charged with four counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty. All animals have been surrendered to the county for medical evaluation and care.

Citrus County Sheriff: Two From Homosassa Arrested For Animal Cruelty, 18 Animals Seized

HOMOSASSA, Fla. - The Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) arrested Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, and Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, both of Homosassa, on charges of

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