Two Homosassa women arrested on animal cruelty charges

Citrus County Sheriff's Office, August 21, 2024

Homosassa, Florida - On Monday, August 19, 2024, the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) Animal Control Unit seized 18 animals and arrested two women, Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, and Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, both of Homosassa, on animal cruelty charges.

Animal control officers were aware of issues at the women's West Akazian Lane, Homosassa residence, due to 38 previous calls for service at the residence as the result of complaints about loose dogs and allegations of animal neglect.

Animal control officers had attempted to work with home owner Melissa Heward, giving her time to get all her animals up to date on rabies vaccines and county licenses and provide medical care for some minor medical issues the dogs were experiencing. Officers had also repeatedly encouraged Melissa Heward to decrease the number of dogs she owns to make caring for her animals more manageable.

In late February, 2024, Melissa Heward was mandated to provide medical care for three dogs with skin issues and hair loss, and she complied with that mandate.

Officers returned to the residence in June, 2024 for a follow-up visit, and although conditions inside the residence had deteriorated slightly, conditions were not bad enough to warrant the removal of the animals from the home. Again, Melissa Heward was encouraged to decrease the number of dogs in her care. During the June, 2024 visit, she surrendered 3 puppies and 5 cats to animal control officers.

Officers continued to monitor the well-being of the remaining animals and their living conditions. However, on several follow-up visits, officers found no one home, and on some visits, Melissa Heward refused officers entry into the home, so they were unable to determine the conditions of the animals or the residence.

Om August 15, 2024, officers returned to the home after neighbors reported hearing frequent dog fights. At the time, Melissa Heward agreed to surrender 2 dogs, but she also admitted that she had not complied with the mandate to get the required rabies vaccinations for the remaining dogs. She was informed that she also must provide veterinary care for the dogs who received minor injuries during the dog fights.

Officers returned to the Heward residence on August 19, 2024, to verify that medical care had been provided to the dogs. Animal control officers were allowed entry into the residence for the first time since June, 2024, and found that conditions inside the home were significantly worse than on any of the previous visits. Due to the worsened conditions inside the home, the animal control officers requested that Citrus County Sheriff's Office deputies respond to the location.

Due to inhumane and unhealthy living conditions, 11 dogs and 5 cats were seized. Several dogs and cats had minor medical issues and had not been provided with proper care.

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) removed two juveniles from the house due to unhealthy living conditions within the home. County Code Enforcement personnel also responded to the home, which was determined to be an unsafe structure.

Melissa Dawn Heward, the homeowner, was arrested, charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty associated with the 11 dogs living in the home.

Samantha Lynn Heward, Melissa Heward's 21-year-old daughter who also lived in the home and claimed ownership and care of the cats, was also arrested, charged with 4 counts of animal cruelty and 1 count of aggravated animal cruelty.

All the animals were surrendered to Citrus County Animal Services, and are being medically evaluated and receiving the care they need.

"These arrests serve as a reminder that our community will not tolerate animal cruelty or neglect," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "We are committed to protecting all lives, including those of animals, and ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable."

To see photos of the animals' living conditions, visit:
https://www.facebook.com/SheriffCitrus/posts/pfbid074CJ155HieTPGagqTwCSBMucovhjViqeqSF1yVfdTSe5gbDqnGZC21iJdEmj3shEl.