Florida children found living in squalor amongst over two hundred animals

The Florida house where children were found living with 245 animals
The Florida house where children were found living with 245 animals Photo credit: Edgewater Police Department

 

Police in Florida have removed three young girls all under the age of ten from the custody of their parents after they were found to be living in filthy conditions with 245 animals, some of whom were dead. 

Police were alerted to the situation by the children’s father Gregg Nelson, after he decided to end his relationship with both his wife, Susan Nelson, and girlfriend, Melissa Hamilton The Washington Post reports.

All three adults were living at the property. 

After the mother refused to allow him to take the children, he informed the police of the conditions of the property, requesting a ‘wellness check.’ 

The Washington Post reports that police were required to wade through piled up rubbish which was ankle-deep according to the police report. 

Among the animals found at the property were four dogs, 10 sugar gliders, 14 birds, 95 mice and seven bearded dragons. 

Officer Anthony Binz who arrived at the scene wrote in an affidavit that nearly all of the animals were infested with fleas and mange, with some of the caged animals living in their own faeces and urine. 

“You couldn't walk anywhere without stepping on debris, or animal urine or faeces,” wrote Officer Binz said. 

The children are now in the care of a family member, while the animals have been taken to a shelter.  

All three adults have been charged with multiple counts of child abuse and animal cruelty.

Full list of animals

 

  • Cats: 2
  • Guinea Pigs: 9 plus 1 deceased
  • Rabbits: 12
  • Hamsters: 4
  • Sugar Gliders: 10
  • Birds: 14
  • Gecko: 1
  • Tortoise: 1
  • Hedge Hog: 1
  • Bearded Dragons: 7
  • Leopard Spotted Gecko: 1
  • Mice: 95
  • Rats: 60 adults 23 babies

Newshub.