John Jefferson
Top inset: Melissa Dawn Heward. Bottom inset: Samantha Lynn Heward. Background: The Florida home where authorities found kids and animals living in “inhumane conditions” (Citrus County Sheriff)
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 on West Akazian Lane in Homosassa, more than 70 miles north of Tampa.
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.
Two children found inside were placed into the care of the Department of Children and Families (DCF). County Code Enforcement also responded due to the home being considered unsafe, officials said.
Melissa Heward was arrested on 10 counts of animal cruelty for the 11 dogs living in her home as well as two counts of child neglect. Samantha Heward faces four counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
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