LAKE CITY, Fla. – A Lake City man was arrested Thursday after police said they found 25 animals in his home that showed signs of neglect.
Lake City officers were called to help the Lake City Humane Society regarding a possible animal neglect case in a home on SE Putnam Street.
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When they arrived, officers spoke with a Humane Society employee, who explained the 73-year-old homeowner had been issued a 72-hour notice requiring him to comply with the state statute regarding the care of his animals.
According to police, the notice was issued after the Humane Society received several complaints about the care and living conditions in the home.
When Humane Society employees returned to the home for a compliance check, the homeowner refused to let them in, police said.
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Officers then were able to do the compliance check alongside Humane Society employees and the homeowner.
During the check, they found 12 animals in need of medical treatment due to malnutrition and other injuries. In addition, 13 animals were caged without food or water access, police said.
The animals included dogs, cats and chickens, and they were all rescued by the Humane Society, which is providing them with needed treatment.
The homeowner was arrested and taken to the Columbia County Detention Center.
The man is facing several charges, including five counts of torture to inflict pain, serious injury or death; 13 counts of confining an animal without sufficient food/water; and 12 counts of animal cruelty.