Florida Woman Arrested After Her Child and Animals Were Found With 300 Rats at Home

A Florida woman was arrested after a child was found in a house that was filled with hundreds of animals, including 300 rats.

The woman in Beverly Hills, Florida, was arrested after a child was found in the home with all of the animals who were reportedly “roaming freely.” The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office was responding to a call regarding an animal cruelty complaint. They later arrested 38-year-old Shannon Marie Morgan for animal cruelty.

According to a press release from the Sheriff’s office, when personnel entered the home, they were overwhelmed by the pungent smell of ammonia. They found several cages and glass aquariums that had snakes and rodents, but there were also rats and cats running around freely in the home.

“It was blatantly obvious; these animals were deprived of all their basic necessities,” the post said.

There was an infestation of flies, roaches, and other bugs due to the build-up of fecal matter and urine. Deputies found trash, dirty dishes, and rotten food scattered around the house. They also found a ferret and another dog in two more cages, and both animals were deprived of food and water. In the child’s room, they found trash that was built up on the floor, which was “creating a habitat for insects,” and the mattress was covered in roaches. They also found blood on the floor due to a cat eating a rat. In another bedroom, they found approximately 50 rodents in cages in addition to the 300 that were roaming freely.

“Abuse of any kind should not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “The conditions of this residence and the animals in this case were so bad, Sheriff’s Office personnel were cautioned about making entry. Neither children nor animals should ever endure this type of environment. It is crucial that our citizens report any possible signs of child or animal neglect. Our Animal Control Officers, deputies and crime scene specialists once again have done a phenomenal job.”

Morgan was arrested on 12 counts of animal cruelty and one count of child neglect. Animal control officers removed seven cats, a dog, and a ferret from the house. The house has since been secured for further investigation, where they will remove the remaining animals.

While we cannot change the horrific treatment that many animals have already endured in the past, we can give animals a voice and hold perpetrators accountable for crimes in the present and the future. Many animal abusers are not held accountable by the law, which feeds into this horrific cycle of abuse. You can sign this petition to demand all states make all animal abuse a felony.

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