Citrus County Sheriff: 12 Animals Rescued From Dunnellon Home, Owner Arrested

CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputies discovered a horrifying scene of animal neglect at a Dunnellon residence on Tuesday night. Joshua Sirmons, 48, was found to be keeping 12 animals, including dogs, cats, a tortoise, and a bird, in squalid conditions with no access to clean water or proper care.

The animals were discovered living in filth, with feces-covered crates and floors, a roach-infested tortoise enclosure, and a birdcage filled with debris. Several of the dogs were underweight and showed signs of untreated medical issues.

Read: Citrus County Sheriff: Two From Homosassa Arrested For Animal Cruelty, 18 Animals Seized

Sirmons claimed the dogs could drink from the toilet and failed to provide any evidence of recent veterinary care for any of the animals.

“Our team of Animal Control Officers works daily to help protect those innocent animals who cannot speak up for themselves. So far this year, we have rescued over 190 “pets” from reprehensible living conditions,” said Sheriff Prendergast. “The relationship between our Animal Control Unit and the County Animal Shelter is vital. Without the shelter, there is no haven to deliver these poor animals to after rescuing them from such horrid conditions and no one to document how well these animals thrive under the proper care. We are truly fortunate to have their resources and knowledge available to us.”

Read: Pasco Deputy Shoots Suspect During Attempted Apprehension In New Port Richey

Sirmons has been charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty and has surrendered all the animals to the county. Further charges may be filed pending veterinary examinations.

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