A Miami Beach man faces an animal cruelty charge after police removed 19 dogs from a home where they were living in what officers called deplorable conditions. Police said the call came in Tuesday, when officers responded to a home near North Michigan Avenue and West 43rd Street to help the Florida Department of Children and Families with a welfare check on an elderly woman.
Officers found “severely unsanitary living conditions” inside, according to police. Detectives said the home held 15 adult dogs and four puppies. The puppies were found in an uncovered cooler contaminated with feces and urine.
Miami-Dade Animal Services removed all 19 dogs and took them for veterinary evaluation and medical care. Police identified the suspect as Jorge Morillo, 50, who had lived at the residence on and off for about five years and was responsible for the animals. Police said Morillo acknowledged his role in their care during a recorded interview and was arrested on one count of animal cruelty.
The Miami Beach Building Department inspected the property, found it unsafe for occupancy and issued an order to vacate. The elderly resident, who has not been publicly identified, was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center for further evaluation.
Police Chief Wayne A. Jones credited officers, the Miami Beach Fire Department, Code Enforcement and county partners for the response.
