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Inverness roommates arrested after officers find more than a dozen dogs living in ‘appalling’ conditions

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Published  January 3, 2025 11:20am EST
Citrus County
FOX 13 News

The Brief

    • Inverness roommates have been arrested for felony animal cruelty after more than a dozen dogs were discovered living in ‘unsanitary’ conditions.
    • Citrus County animal control officers discovered the dogs while investigating complaints of aggressive dogs in the area that kept getting loose and disturbing neighbors.
    • One of the suspects was on probation at the time due to a previous charge of battery on a person 65 or older.

INVERNESS, Fla. - A complaint about aggressive dogs getting loose in Citrus County landed a pair of roommates behind bars after investigators said they found more than a dozen dogs living in ‘unsanitary’ conditions. 

According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, animal control officers visited a home on S. Mooring Drive in Inverness on Dec. 31, 2024, to investigate complaints about aggressive dogs frequently getting loose and disturbing neighbors.

When the officers arrived, they said they found 12 malnourished Boston Terriers living in unsanitary and neglected conditions. 

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The dozen dogs belonged to Carol Normand, 66, according to CCSO. 

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The Citrus County Sheriff's Office says animal control officers discovered the dogs while investigating complaints of aggressive dogs that kept getting loose. Image is courtesy of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. 

The officers said another Boston Terrier was also living in the same circumstances. That dog was owned by Normand’s roommate, 63-year-old Joseph Moore. 

Officers noted the overwhelming odor in the home was so severe it caused instant headaches and watery eyes.

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Normand was charged with 12 counts of felony animal cruelty and Moore was charged with one count of felony animal cruelty. 

While Normand’s bond was set at $30,000, authorities say Moore will not get bond due to violating probation on a previous charge of battery on a person 65 or older. 

Joseph Moore and Carol Normand mugshots courtesy of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

Joseph Moore and Carol Normand mugshots courtesy of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. 

Animal control officers removed the 13 dogs from the home and took them to Citrus County Animal Services.

In a social media post, CCSO commended the "swift action of its animal control officers in rescuing the neglected animals and ensuring they receive the care they deserve." 

Anyone who suspects animal abuse is asked to call (352) 249-2790.

The Source: This story uses information provided by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. 

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