Dead Dogs, Cats, Birds Found At Home Of FL Animal Rescue Owner: Sheriff

FLORAL CITY, FL — Dead cats, dogs and birds were found Monday at the Floral City home of a self-proclaimed animal rescue owner, who faces multiple charges, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office wrote in a social media post.

Forty-three animals were removed from the property of Jordyn Hess, 24, who runs the rescue Hess Haven. They were brought to Citrus County Animal Services for medical evaluation and care.

Hess was charged with 11 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 22 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.

Deputies responded to her East Oak Court home after receiving reports of animal neglect there, the sheriff’s office said.

They found multiple animals dead from severe neglect and abuse.

Several dead cats were found in trash bags, a dead dog was locked in a transport carrier, and three dead birds were found in a chicken coop, CCSO said.

Inside the home, a dog and nine cats were found living among litter boxes overflowing with feces. Another 12 cats lived in an exterior shed with no access to food or water.

“No matter how many cases you work, you never get used to seeing animals living and dying in conditions like these,” Agriculture Deputy Bo Gallant said. “These animals were living in conditions no creature should ever endure, and getting them out while holding someone accountable was our absolute priority.”

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