PALM BAY, Fla. – A Palm Bay mother is being held without bond after investigators say she was living in a house of filth with dozens of animals, five of which were dead.
Police said a tip from the Department of Children and Families led to the discovery on Edgewood Drive earlier this week.
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Palm Bay police arrested Michelle Murray on 60 counts of animal cruelty.
Police said officers responded Monday to the residence to assist the Department of Children and Families with the investigation.
Officers discovered the home in deplorable condition, with animal feces and trash covering the floors and counters, police said.
Officer Vickers advised that he found about 50 cats and dogs in various states of health, along with five dead cats. Vickers said this was one of the worst cases of animal neglect he has personally investigated.
Police said the animals were later removed with the assistance of the Brevard County Sheriff's Animal Services units. The surviving animals were turned over to a veterinarian for treatment.
The 38-year-old also was arrested on child abuse charges, because her teenage son also living in the home.
Murray was taken to the Brevard County Jail and held on $120,000 bond, police said.