The Sheriff’s Office was called to the home in the 200 block of Kyte Road to assist the Department of Children and Families with a welfare check of two developmentally challenged adults who lived there with the Murwins.
The two residents were found safe. But the Sheriff's Office said two different people in charge of the home — 71-year-old George Everett Murwin and 56-year-old Laura Jean Murwin (other article says she's 57) — also were housing approximately 50 dogs, 15 cats, four birds and one horse there.
All the dogs and birds were kept inside the three-bedroom residence, which lacked fresh air and did not have air conditioning. The floors were covered with animal waste, with feces 3 to 4 inches thick in one bedroom, according to the report.
One of the birds also didn't have any feathers except on its neck and head, and one dead puppy had its head caught in a wire panel of a dog cage.
A horse was in the backyard with very little water and its hooves had not been trimmed causing them to split and turn under.
The deputy notified Putnam County Codes Enforcement and Animal Control.
Because of the deplorable and poor structural condition of the house, it was condemned with everyone required to move out, the Sheriff's Office said. The animal control officer was able to capture all of the animals with the exception of a few cats outside.
The two developmentally challenged adults are being provided shelter at a center, the Sheriff's Office said. It was unclear if they or the Murwins could face charges as the case is still being investigated.
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| One of the puppies found a forever home |
(Jacksonville.con - July 24, 2015)
