Inverness couple arrested on animal cruelty charges in Operation Rescue Thor - Thor was rescued!
CCSO photos (left to right): a sad-faced Thor, Faustino Valladares, and Patricia Villadamigo.
Inverness, Florida - Last week, animal control officers and detectives with the Community Crimes division of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office served a search warrant at a residence located on E. McCartney Loop in Inverness, where more than 100 animals were rescued in "Operation Rescue Thor," which resulted in the successful of Thor, a 7 year-old German Shepherd suffering with pain from a severe, untreated ear infection and problems with his hips.
On July 31, 2023, animal control officers began an investigation into the alleged cruelty and neglect of over 16 dogs, and 40 chickens and turkeys on the 0.22-acre property and residence of 66 year-old Faustino Alfredo Valladares and 46 year-old Patricia Maria Villadamigo.
Thor had not received treatment for his ailments, in spite of animal control officers issuing Mr. Valladares and Ms. Villadamigo with a citation and a 24-hour mandate for him to be treated. During a four-month investigation, animal control officers attempted to check on the well-being of Thor and the other animals, with minimal cooperation by Valladares and Villadamigo. According to a press release by Sydney Hudson, Community Relations Specialist with the Citrus County Sheriff's Office, Ms. Villadamigo told animal control officers that they would not be allowed to check on the well-being of Thor or any of the other animals on their property.
None of the dogs in their possession had current vaccinations, and they did not have a kennel license, which is mandated by Citrus County ordinance with the ownership of ten or more dogs.
Detectives wirh the agency's East Operations, Community Crimes Unit assisted the animal control officers in obtaining arrest warrants for Valladares and Villadamigo, each for one count of felony animal cruelty. A search warrant was also obtained to rescue Thor from the property, so he could receive proper treatment.
During the execution of the search warrant, 18 dogs, 11 puppies, and 73 varying species of fowl, one of which was deceased, were located on the property.
Citrus County Animal Services responded with deputies to the property to assess the animals, along with Citrus County Code Enforcement. Villadamigo and Valladares surrendered all the animals to Citrus County Animal Services, where veterinary forensics and treatment will continue for all the rescued animals.
Patricia Maria Villadamigo was charged with felony animal cruelty, resisting arrest without violence, and obstruction of a search warrant
Faustino Alfredo Valladares was charged with felony animal cruelty.
"Our ACOs (animal control officers) work tirelessly to help defend innocent animals, such as Thor, whom irresponsible owners mistreat. It is sickening to see how Villadamigo and Valladares had such disregard for taking care of their animals," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "I am proud of the quick investigative work of both our ACOs and Community Crimes Detectives, as well as our partnership with Citrus County Animal Services, for their assistance in saving these helpless animals."
"This is why we established our Animal Cruelty Taskforce - an expert team dedicated to investigating and preventing animal abuse," said William "Bill" Gladson, State Attorney with Florida's Fifth Judicial Circuit. "Last week, Sheriff Mike Prendergast and his team took decisive action to rescue innocent animals from continuous, unimaginable harm. We will work together to ensure justice prevails in this case and to show compassion triumphs cruelty every time."
To view additional photos, visit www.facebook.com/SheriffCitrus/posts/pfbid0YJ7rmaWSbBQ3H9WxpV7XFqwhw1PA2zV9w1CJLcQDgbj1pXS3tTBwpvPymsegQE3kl.