LIVE OAK, Fla. (WTXL) — A 54-year-old woman has been arrested on 84 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after deputies were forced to remove nearly 90 malnourished cats and dogs from her Live Oak home.
Thursday morning, the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division went to a residence in the 16400 block of 77th Road in reference to animal neglect.
When the animal control officers were within 50 yards of the home, they say they could smell a strong odor of animal urine emanating from the small mobile home.
Once they entered the home, they discovered 50 cats, and 34 dogs roaming free inside of it. Deputies say many of the animals appeared to be malnourished and there was feces scattered throughout the residence.
According to SCSO, the owner, 54-year-old Jennifer Ann Dyviniak, had previously voluntarily surrendered approximately 30 animals to animal control. Those animals were then examined by a veterinarian, who determined that all of the animals were infested with Sarcoptic Mange (scabies) and secondary skin infections.
"It was obvious that Jennifer had failed to act upon the declining health conditions of her pets which were caused by the conditions that her and the animals were living in," deputies wrote. "This negligence caused excessive and repeated infliction of unnecessary pain and suffering upon the animals found within the residence."
Jennifer was arrested and transported to the Suwannee County Jail where she has been charged with 84 counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
The animals have been seized by animal control and are currently being treated by a veterinarian at the Suwannee County Animal Shelter.
