OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is looking for a man wanted on more than three dozen animal cruelty charges.
Deputies say have an arrest warrant for Matthew Wayne Keel in connection with a horrific animal cruelty case. They say he’s wanted on 23 felony counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty and 19 counts of Animal Cruelty.
MCSO says animal control officers discovered a disturbing scene on February 1 when they entered a home at 5750 NW 6th Street.
They say they found 53 dogs in deplorable conditions – cramped cages filled with feces and filth. They say they also found dead dogs in the freezer.
Investigators say Keel once ran No BS Sanctuary but could not keep up with the number of dogs in his care.
A judge granted the county permission to seize the dogs. When Marion County Animal Services (MCAS) rescued the dogs, they say many were in “dire need of medical attention.” Since then, MCAS has nursed many back to health and adopted many of them out to forever homes.
|RELATED: Beau’s Tale: Rescued from cruel conditions, reunited with foster family after 12 years
MCSO has obtained a warrant for Keel’s arrest, but have been unable to locate him and say it’s possible he has left the state.
“These innocent animals deserve justice, and Keel needs to be held accountable for his actions,” said MCSO in a Facebook post. “It’s time to speak up and turn him in!”
If you have any information on Keel’s whereabouts, you’re urged to call MCSO at 352-732-9111. You can also provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP. Referencing 24-12 in your tip.