A Crystal River man was arrested on multiple felony animal cruelty charges after deputies found the remains of five German Shepherd puppies inside his home. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office said the man, whose name has not been released, claimed to be a “top-notch” German Shepherd breeder.
The arrest came after a welfare check led deputies to the man’s home on January 15, 2026, around 10:30 a.m. The investigation revealed that the five German Shepherd puppies had been found dead inside the residence. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office did not provide further details on the condition of the puppies or the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The suspect is being held at the Citrus County Detention Center on multiple felony animal cruelty charges. The case is ongoing, and further information is expected to be released as it becomes available.
Animal welfare organizations and law enforcement agencies in Hernando, Pasco, and Citrus counties have been working together to combat animal cruelty and neglect in the region. Residents can report suspected cases of animal cruelty or neglect to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 749-3111 or the Hernando County Animal Control at (352) 545-3641.
Originally reported by WFLA – Citrus County
Sources: WFLA – Citrus County
