BRISTOL, Fla. (WTXL) - Four people have been arrested after 55 dogs, guinea pigs, chicken, rabbits, and cats were removed from two Bristol homes.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said that they were called by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office to help them remove and transport 55 animals living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions from two homes.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office searched the two homes Wednesday morning, where responders found neglected animals—including dogs, guinea pigs, chickens, rabbits, and cats—living in unsanitary conditions.
They say some of the animals appeared to be suffering from untreated medical issues such as parasites, open wounds, skin disease, and flea infestation.
ASPCA said that dogs were found chained outside with no water or appropriate shelter, and chickens were housed in small enclosures, surrounded by feces and trash.
Four individuals were arrested as a result of the animal cruelty investigation:
- Sheena McKinney, charged with one count of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor;
- Susan McKinney, charged with child neglect, a felony;
- Christopher Vallis, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, a misdemeanor; and
- Shirley Butler, charged with one count of animal cruelty, a misdemeanor.
Additional charges against all four subjects are pending.
Sheriff Eddie Joe White with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office explained more on what they found:
"I am saddened by the conditions we discovered at these residences, but relieved that we were able to remove an 11-year-old child from one of these homes and place her in a safe and nurturing environment.
"We also found evidence suggesting ongoing drug use at the residence and made an arrest on drug-related charges.
"These investigations and arrests are part of my ongoing commitment to make our communities safe, and send a message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated and hold these individuals accountable for their crimes.”
