INVERNESS, FL (352today.com) – Citrus County authorities have seized more than 100 animals from a home in Inverness and charged a couple with animal cruelty charges.

The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) say they investigated the couple for moths and dubbed the investigation ‘Operation Rescue Thor’ after a seven-year-old German Shepherd on the property. They say Thor showed signs of suffering from a severe ear infection.

Citrus County Sheriff’s Office arrested 66-year-old Faustino Alfredo Valladares and 46-year-old Patricia Maria Villadamigo in connection with the animal cruelty case. Courtesy: CCSO

Last week, deputies arrested 66-year-old Faustino Alfredo Valladares and 46-year-old Patricia Maria Villadamigo and charged them with animal cruelty.

The sheriff’s office says deputies along with animal control officers (ACOs) seized 18 dogs, 11 puppies, and 73 varying species of fowl, one of which was dead.

They say the couple kept the animals on a .22-acre lot on East McCartney Loop in Inverness.

Last week, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) conducted ‘Operation Rescue Thor,’ where Animal Control Officers (ACO) and Community Crimes Detectives served a search warrant to rescue over 100 animals from a residence in Inverness.

Authorities seized a variety of fowl from the property. Courtesy: CCSO
Deputies say the couple had more than a dozen dogs on a less than quarter-acre lot. Courtesy: CCSO
Veterinarians from Citrus County Animal Services are now treating the animals. Courtesy: CCSO
Authorities say the animals were suffering from neglect. Courtesy: CCSO
Deputies seized 11 puppies from the home. Courtesy: CCSO
Authorities say the couple had 73 varying species of fowl on the property. Courtesy: CCSO

CCSO says deputies tried to check on the animals over a four-month period with little cooperation from the couple.

Authorities say the animals are now under the care of Citrus County Animal Services veterinarians.

“Our ACOs work tirelessly to help defend innocent animals, such as Thor, whom irresponsible owners mistreat,” said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “It is sickening to see how Villagamigo and Valladares had such disregard for taking care of their animals.”

Deputies charged the couple as follows:

Patricia Villadamigo

  • Felony Animal Cruelty
  • Resisting Arrest Without Violence
  • Obstruction of a Search Warrant

Faustino Valladares

  • Felony Animal Cruelty