SRSO Investigating Case of Dead and Abandoned Animals in Navarre

Sheriff’s Office Investigating Case of Dead and Abandoned Animals in Navarre 

On 11-06-12, deputies responded to 1675 Winding Shore Drive, Navarre, FL in reference to a public nuisance complaint.  The residence was in a state of foreclosure and was being neglected since March/April 2012.  Deputies have previously been at the residence attempting to make contact with the homeowner.  On those occasions, deputies observed minor nuisance violations on the property.  They were not able to gain access to the back yard due to a locked gate.  While at the residence on 11-06-12, deputies received information that there were possibly dead animals inside the residence. Deputies made access to the back yard and noticed a strong smell of decay and feces.  They were also able to peak into the house through the Florida room and noticed a dead cat, a dead dog, and an empty bird cage. There was an extreme amount of feces and urine covering the floors inside the house.  Animal Services was contacted and arrived at the location to assist.  The Sheriff’s Office was able to get a contact number for the previous owner and they arrived on scene a short time later.  Deputies obtained a search warrant to search the house, based on what they had observed.  Deputies found 3 dead dogs, 3 dead cats, and a dead bird inside the residence.  The entire house was covered in animal feces and urine.  It appeared that the animals had eaten anything they could find in an attempt to survive; to include furniture cushions.  It appeared that the animals died from starvation.  The previous occupant of the house denied the ownership or abandoning of the animals; however deputies are investigating the circumstances to determine ownership.  The case remains under active investigation and criminal charges are pending.

Anyone with any further information concerning the animals left at this residence is asked to contact Deputy Schmitt at the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office at 981-2109  or Santa Rosa Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP (7867).