Child, 3, found living with dozens of dogs, in urine, feces in Ocala

OCALA, Fla. (WKMG) A 3-year-old child who was found Wednesday living in deplorable conditions with approximately 50 dogs was taken by the Department of Children and Families and placed with a relative, police said.

The Ocala Police Department said officers responded to 931 Northeast 12th Avenue after receiving reports of a strong odor coming from the home and concerns that there might be a deceased person’s body inside.

Police said when they arrived at the home, a woman who answered the front door would not allow them inside, but they could see an elderly man through the doorway.

When officers asked about the odor, the woman said she had 15 dogs inside the home, as well as her father, who suffers from dementia.

Police said Code Enforcement was notified, and during their visit they reported urine coming out from underneath a side door.

Police said Animal Services and DCF responded and, upon gaining entry into the home, they found the young child living in what they described as hazardous conditions.

Ocala police said the 3-year-old was living in the home with his father, grandmother and great-grandfather. The child was taken by DCF and placed with another relative, police said.

The Police Department said it will be pursuing charges once the report from Animal Services is available.