Living in a box, living in a cardboard box

What the hell is wrong with people? At what point is it okay in someone's mind to keep barnyard animals living in an RV and a cargo van? The third in a week, these dastardly individuals were caught when the smell of their vehicles became too strong for passerby's not to notice. I believe in an eye for an eye. Wouldn't it be nice if the barnyard animals could put the offenders in cages filled with excrement, locked in a motor vehicle in the heat of the spring? Only in Florida...

Officers Remove Animals From RV, Van

Animal Services Rescues More Than 30 Animals

POSTED: Saturday, February 26, 2011

UPDATED: 4:23 pm EST February 26, 2011

DUNNELLON, Fla. -- Marion County Animal Services said it is investigating its third 20-plus animal cruelty case in less than two weeks.

Animal Services officials said they received a report from the Dunnellon Police Department Friday afternoon that animals were found in a motor home and van in the Rainbow Square plaza parking lot at 11352 N. Williams St.

Animal Services said it was called after an officer noticed a strong odor of animals coming from the vehicles.

Officers said they removed 37 live animals, and at least 12 that were dead.

Authorities said the live animals were mostly kept in crates; officers found the deceased animals in bags, coolers, boxes and crates.

Animal control officers said they found no food or water in any of the crates -- the only sign of pet food was a half bag of dog food in the motor home.

The crates had layers of animal waste, with one crate weighing in at 92 pounds, according to a report.

Officers said they removed six pygmy goats, two donkeys and seven dogs from the van and two cats, as well as 19 dogs and an African Grey bird from the motor home.

DPD officials removed the owners, Penelope Walker, 67, and her daughter, Gina Walker, 44, from the scene.

Authorities said the animals were taken to county animal center for medical assessments and to provide them with proper food, water and veterinary care.

According to veterinary assessments, all of the dogs were severely underweight and many were emaciated.

Officers said one dog was humanely euthanized due to its condition and suffering.

Animal services staff are expected to petition the court for legal custody of the animals and work with DPD to bring cruelty charges against the owners.

Center staff said the animals are not available for adoption at this time.

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