19 Dogs Found in Filth During Miami Welfare Check; Caretaker Charged
Police discovered the animals, including four lethargic puppies in an ice cooler, in deplorable conditions at an elderly woman's home.
Miami Beach Police discovered 19 dogs living in squalid conditions within a Miami home during a welfare check for an elderly resident. The investigation began when officers noticed the home's backyard entryway was littered with garbage.
Inside, officers found four week-old puppies in an uncovered ice cooler, surrounded by urine and feces. The puppies were lethargic and had no access to food or water, according to reports. A total of 19 dogs were found living in the residence.
"What we saw inside was heartbreaking to say the least," said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess. "The elderly female, in addition to 19 dogs, were living in deplorable conditions, four of which were puppies that were hanging on dear life." Bess described the interior of the home as having holes in the floor and ceiling, broken windows, and feces throughout.
Jorge Morillo, 50, who allegedly served as a caretaker for the elderly woman and lived at the residence intermittently for approximately five years, was arrested. He faces one count of animal cruelty.
"He took advantage of our victim, and he’s paying the price as we speak," Bess added.
The dogs were removed from the property and are receiving medical attention from Miami-Dade animal services. The elderly woman was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center for evaluation.
