HIGHLANDS COUNTY, Fla. – What began as an eviction turned into a shocking animal rescue operation in Highlands County on Tuesday afternoon.
Deputies arrived at a single-wide mobile home in the Kissimmee River Estates neighborhood to serve an eviction notice. Inside, they discovered 46 dogs and 8 cats living in horrific conditions.
The home was covered in animal feces, with stacked crates containing both dogs and cats. The crates lacked proper ventilation and water, and some were filled with urine. Many animals showed signs of neglect, including flea infestations, hair loss, and matted fur. The home was also infested with roaches and rats.
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“Treating even one animal like this is inexcusable, but having more than 50 of them living in this kind of condition is just mind-boggling,” Sheriff Blackman said. “There is no reason anyone can give that would justify animals being kept in this kind of situation.”
The homeowner, 66-year-old Darlene Hutchinson, and her 36-year-old son, Arthur Melvin Doliver, were arrested and charged with 54 counts of animal cruelty. They allegedly admitted to living in the home with the animals for six years.
It took several hours for the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit, with assistance from deputies and the Humane Society of Highlands County, to remove all the animals from the property.
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“I want to thank Judy Spiegel and the rest of the staff at the Humane Society for coming out last night and helping us get these animals the immediate care they needed,” Sheriff Blackman said. “We know they are in good hands now and their lives are going to only get better.”
The Humane Society is accepting donations to help care for the rescued animals. Anyone wishing to assist can call 863-655-1522.
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