A disturbing case of animal neglect has led to the arrest of a Floral City woman, deputies say. On January 15, 2026, Citrus County deputies responded to a welfare check at a property in Floral City, where dozens of animals were found dead. The property owner, 45-year-old Jennifer Smith, was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.
According to deputies, the animals, including dogs, cats, and horses, were found in various stages of decomposition. The investigation revealed that Smith had been operating an animal rescue on the property, but conditions were unsanitary and inhumane. Deputies say that Smith had been neglecting the animals for an extended period, leading to their deaths. Smith is being held at the Citrus County Detention Center.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about animal cruelty or neglect to come forward. If you have concerns about animal welfare, you can contact the Citrus County Animal Control at (352) 533-7387 or the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 749-9111.
- The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.
- Anyone with information can contact the authorities at the numbers above.
Originally reported by Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness and Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
Sources: Citrus County Chronicle – Inverness, Citrus County Chronicle – Crystal River
