Three Inveness residents charged with 7 counts of animal cruelty; two children removed from home
Photo graphic courtesy of CCSO.
Inverness, Florida - On January 9, 2024, Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Animal Control Officers responded to a residence on East Watson Street in Inverness due to to a complaint of animal cruelty, and as a result, three people were arrested, each charged with seven counts of animal cruelty: Chelsea St. Hilaire, 23; Robert Brooks, 23; and Tina Maddox, 67.
Outside the residence, Animal Control Officers (ACOs) noticed a strong odor of animal feces and ammonia (urine). St. Hilaire told ACOs that three dogs live on her enclosed patio and three dogs live inside her residence.
According to a CCSO press release, in the bathroom, the officers found numerous piles of garbage bags mixed with animal feces and urine. Soiled diapers and empty liquor bottles were scattered throughout the bedroom. Inside the kitchen were stacks of dirty dishes and two buckets with mold growth inside them. Throughout the entire home, the floor was spongy and caked with feces, and multiple holes were observed in the ceiling.
Multiple cats were roaming inside the house, able to come and go through windows. A seventh dog was found inside the home that Ms. St. Hillaire had not mentioned to ACOs. There was little food and no source of water for any of the animals. Most of the dogs also had missing patches of fur due to fleas. Seven dogs were removed from the home, along with unspecified number of cats roaming near the residence. All were taken to the Citrus County Animal Shelter to be cared for by the county veterinarian.
Two juveniles were also living in the home, "one of which was crawling on the ground," according to the press release. The two juveniles were removed from the home. Further charges are pending in regard to the living conditions of the children.
"The condition of this home was so disgusting that deputies and ACOs could not take a single step without their boot touching feces, urine, or both," said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "No child or animal should ever have to experience living conditions such as this. I am thankful for the partnership between our team and the Citrus County Animal Shelter for saving these innocent young children and animals who cannot speak for themselves."