LEVY COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – On February 25, 2025, deputies were called to 12190 NE 10th Ave. to a report of animal neglect/abuse. Deputies found evidence of a dog breeding operation where the dogs were not receiving proper care. Most of the kennels were full of feces and urine and contained animals that were malnourished. The owners, Daniel Lee and Simona Fatu claimed ownership of the breeding operation known as “Prestigious Bullies.” Both were on scene and interviewed by law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office Ag Investigator worked together with Levy County Animal Services who collected evidence and seized multiple dogs. The owners were charged with animal neglect/abuse.
Fatu immediately began to petition the courts for the return of her seized animals. The courts determined that while her criminal case was being investigated and prosecution was pending, she would be allowed to pay fines and fees and some of these dogs were returned. The fees associated with seizure and care of the animals totaled nearly $7,100 and the animals were not allowed to be kept in Levy County. Other seized dogs had been rehabilitated at Levy Animal Services and were adopted.
Simona Fatu maintained she was not responsible for the condition of these animals and decided to take her criminal case to trial. She was formally charged with three counts of abandonment of an animal to die. Assistant State Attorney Lenora Folston presented this undeniable case to a panel of Levy County jurors who returned a guilty verdict for each of these three charges on March 31, 2026. Sentencing was scheduled for a later date.
On April 14, 2026, Fatu was sentenced to 180 days in the Levy County Detention Facility followed by three years of probation, fined $3,500 per count and permanent enjoinment, which prohibits her from owning dogs forever. She was immediately taken into custody. Fatu was residing in Citrus County and already under scrutiny there by the Citrus County Animal Services. Upon hearing Fatu had been convicted, taken into custody and permanent enjoinment was ordered, Citrus County Animal Services will be responding to her home to seize the animals she had there.
Sheriff McCallum wants to send a strong message to those who refuse to humanely own and care for pets of all kinds. The LCSO will diligently investigate and criminally charge those who violate the law and mistreat animals; you will be held accountable by the courts.