Officer’s horror as 19 sweet dogs are found on brink of death inside woman’s deplorable Miami home
Police found 19 dogs, including four four-week-old puppies, in severe conditions at a Miami home during a welfare check on an elderly woman. The discovery prompted an animal cruelty investigation and highlighted concerns about the woman’s living conditions and the care provided by a man who was meant to look after her.
Officers reported rubbish, faeces, damaged windows and holes in the floors and ceiling; the puppies were in an uncovered ice cooler and had no food or water. All 19 dogs were taken for medical care by Miami-Dade Animal Services, and the woman was taken to hospital for evaluation. Police arrested 50-year-old Jorge Morillo, who allegedly lived at the property intermittently for about five years, and charged him with one count of animal cruelty.
In short
- Welfare check uncovered 19 dogs in deplorable conditions.
- Four young puppies were without food or water.
- A 50-year-old man was charged with animal cruelty.
Explained simply
Animal welfare checks are carried out when there are concerns that animals may be neglected or in danger. In Miami-Dade County, Animal Services can take animals for care, while police investigate possible crimes such as animal cruelty.
The woman at the property was elderly, and Jorge Morillo was reportedly expected to help look after her. Police say he lived there intermittently for about five years; he has been charged with animal cruelty, and a charge is an allegation that must be dealt with through the courts.
The case also raises questions about whether the woman herself was safe and receiving adequate support. She was taken to hospital for evaluation, while the dogs were taken for medical care.