CITRUS COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a man on charges of animal cruelty after they found 12 animals inside of his home in desperate need of care.
CCSO says they responded to the home of 48-year-old Joshua Sirmons on West Cross Dr. in Dunnellon about an “unrelated call for service.” Deputies say they saw multiple wire crates stacked against a wall near the kitchen of the Dunnellon home. They say the crates were “partially covered” by a large sheet. Deputies asked Sirmons about the sheet. They say he told them there was nothing under it.
Deputies say they then removed the sheet and found two small dogs locked in “filthy” crates with “no food or water.” They say the dogs and the crates were “caked in feces,” and the dogs’ fur was “stained orange” from urine.
CCSO says six more dogs were “running loose” in what they called an “extremely cluttered and dirty home.”
Deputies say they requested the assistance of their animal control officers. When those officers arrived to search the residence, they found two additional cats, a tortoise, and a large bird.
The officers say they located litter boxes in the bedroom and bathroom that they say appeared to have not been clean for “many months.” They say the tortoise enclosure was “infested with roaches,” the heat lamp was turned off, and that the tortoise was “cold to the touch.”
Officers then investigated the bird cage which they say had several inches of feces, discarded food, and debris lining the bottom. They say no clean food was available for the bird.
Deputies say no water was available to any animal in the home.
When questioned about it, Sirmons told deputies that the dogs could “drink water from the toilet,” if they were thirsty. Deputies say the dogs were underweight and had “obvious” medical conditions that were untreated. They add that Sirmons could not provide proof of veterinary care for any of the animals for several years.
CCSO arrested Sirmons and charged him with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty: a felony offense.
Deputies say Sirmons agreed to sign a surrender form to give ownership of all animals to the county.
“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 CCSO 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.”
CCSO says Sirmons could face additional charges but won’t know more until after medical intake exams by the shelter veterinarian.