CITRUS COUNTY, Fla . – A Citrus County couple has been charged in a disturbing case of animal abuse after investigators found abhorrent conditions and emaciated animals.
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Animal Control Officers (ACO) responded to a residence on S Tyler Street in Beverly Hills in reference to a barking complaint.
When ACOs arrived, three small Chihuahuas ran loose in the front yard, which was filled with garbage. A strong smell of ammonia and feces was noticeable from outside the home. ACOs could not locate the residents but saw a bulldog-type puppy and a white husky through the window.
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ACOs then walked to the backyard, where they spotted a thin Chihuahua lying on a blanket that did not respond to ACOs for several minutes.
The Chihuahua tried to run away when ACOs attempted to pick her up, but she fell over several times – she was taken to Citrus County Animal Services for immediate care.