HOMOSASSA, Florida. – Officials in Citrus County seized more than a dozen dogs and cats, took away two children and arrested a mother and daughter who they said were living in “inhumane” and “unacceptable” conditions.

On Monday, Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, of Homosassa, and her daughter Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, of Homosassa were arrested on multiple counts of animal cruelty.

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, animal control officers have responded to a home on West Akazian Lane in Homosassa 38 times because of neglect and lost dogs.

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Officials said they tried to work with owner Melissa Heward to give her time to get all of the animals up to date with rabies vaccinations and county licenses, and to provide medical attention for some of the dogs’ minor health issues.

They also suggested that she give away some of her dogs to make it easier to care for the animals.

In February, officials said Melissa Heward was assigned to provide medical care to three dogs with skin problems and hair loss, and the CCSO said she complied with that order.

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In June, animal control officials visited the home again and stated that although conditions in the home had deteriorated slightly, removal of the animals was not warranted.

Officials said they again encouraged Melissa Heward to reduce the number of dogs in her care and she surrendered three puppies and five cats at the time.

According to CCSO, officers continued to monitor the welfare of the remaining animals and living conditions. However, during multiple follow-up visits, no one was home and Melissa Heyward refused to let officers into the home, so they could not assess the condition of the animals or the home.

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Animal control officers returned on August 15 after neighbors reported hearing frequent dog fighting near the home. At the time, officers said Melissa Heward had agreed to surrender two dogs but admitted she had failed to comply with an order to have the remaining dogs vaccinated against rabies.

Officials added that they told Melissa Heward she needed to get veterinary care for the dogs, who sustained minor injuries in the dog fights.

On August 19, officers went back to confirm that the dogs had received the medical care they needed. Officers said this was the first time they had been allowed into the home since June, and they said conditions inside the home were significantly worse than any previous visit, prompting officers to respond immediately.

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According to CCSO, a total of eleven dogs and five cats were confiscated due to inhumane and unhealthy living conditions.

According to authorities, several dogs and cats had minor health problems and were not receiving adequate care.

When officers discovered that two minor children also lived in the home, they called the Department of Children and Families, which removed both children from the home.

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The district building authority also reacted because the house was considered an unsafe building.

Melissa Heward was arrested on ten counts of animal cruelty in connection with the eleven dogs living in the house. Samantha Heward, who also lived in the house and claimed to own and care for the cats, was arrested on four counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.

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All animals have been handed over to the district, are being medically examined and are receiving the care they need.

“These arrests are a reminder that our community does not tolerate animal cruelty or neglect,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “We are committed to protecting all lives, including those of animals, and ensuring those who cause harm are held accountable.”

Lawmakers say further charges could be brought as the investigation progresses.

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