OCALA, Fla. — Hundreds of dead animals have been found at an Ocala-area home.
An official at the Marion County Animal Center says 348 dead animals, mostly just skeletal remains, were found across the property, as well as in cages, in feed bags and in plastic bags stuffed in the owner’s freezer. Another 375 animals were found alive but malnourished.
The live animals included 151 dogs and 156 birds as well as cattle, tortoises, cats, hamsters, sheep, horses, rabbits and lizards.
The 64-year-old owner of the property, who is licensed to sell exotic birds, was taken for a mental health evaluation and treatment after officials discovered the problem Thursday. He was living in a mobile home found littered with animal feces and human waste.
He’s not yet been charged with any wrongdoing.