23 Animals Removed From filthy home
Ocala, FL (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jul 11, 2006
County: Marion

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Nelly Vega
» Idavia Vega

Two women in Marion County, Fla., were arrested after a 5-year-old boy was found living with 14 dogs, four cats, two ferrets and three large turtles in a home that had air pollution at "lethal levels," according to investigators.

Deputies discovered the sick animals in the home because the stench was so bad neighbors had called to complain, said Marion County Sheriff's Deputy Paul Youmans said.

Investigators said when they entered a home located on Southwest Second Court in the Turning Point Estates, it was difficult to distinguish dog feces from the cockroach and rodent droppings on the floor.

Officers wore hazmat suits to pull the animals out of the home Tuesday.

"Inside, air pollution was at what they call lethal levels," Local 6's Jacqueline London said.

The owner of the home, Nelly Vega and her daughter, Idavia, were arrested Tuesday. Nelly Vega faces an animal abuse charge.

Her daughter was arrested for child endangerment after her 5-year-old son was found in the home.

The boy is in Department of Children and Families custody.

References

• News.yahoo.com - July 11, 2006 

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