CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – A Citrus County woman, 76-year-old Jill Swaim, is facing numerous animal cruelty charges after deputies and animal control officers discovered dozens of cats living in deplorable conditions inside her home earlier this week. According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Swaim following a welfare check Monday evening at her residence on East Eureka Court.
The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office reported that a total of 52 cats were found, with one cat deceased and decomposing. The cats were described as being malnourished and living in filth. Deputies and animal control officers were met with a "horrific scene" upon entering the home. Swaim was taken into custody and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty.
The investigation is ongoing, and Swaim is being held at the Citrus County Detention Center. The Citrus County Sheriff’s Office is working with local animal welfare organizations to care for the cats. Anyone with information about animal cruelty or neglect can contact the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 749-9111 or the Citrus County Animal Control at (352) 339-2400.
Originally reported by R News
Sources: R News
