Florida officers in Edgewater were sent to check on the well-being of three children ended up removing them, as well as 245 animals, from the home, according to police.
Edgewater Animal Control removed the animals from the home and brought them to a local animal shelter. The children, ages 8, 9 and 10, were taken from the home by the Department of Children and Families and given to a relative.
Animals Surrendered During Investigation included, 4 dogs, 2 cats, 9 guinea pigs plus 1 deceased, 12 rabbits, 4 hamsters, 10 sugar gliders, 14 birds, 1 gecko, 1 tortoise, 1 hedge hog, 7 bearded dragons, 1 leopard spotted gecko, 95 mice and 60 adults rats plus 23 baby rats.
The Edgewater Police Department shared the whole details on Facebook, writing: ”On October 20, 2019 EPD Officers were dispatched to 2721 Royal Palm Drive regarding a well-being check of three juveniles. Upon arrival, officers not only located the three children, but also 245 animals of various species housed on the property. It was immediately evident neither the children, nor the animals were being cared for properly.”
”The residence was in deplorable living conditions.point 191 | EPD Officers observed a dead guinea pig in a cage, rotting food, animal feces and urine throughout the residence.point 286 |
The three defendants, Melissa Hamilton, Greg Nelson and Susan Nelson will be charged with 3 counts of child abuse and 66 counts of animal cruelty.point 122 | ”point 129 | 1
”The juveniles ages 8, 9 and 10 were removed from the residence by the Department of Children and Families and were placed with a responsible family member.point 405 |
The Edgewater Police Department and Edgewater Animal Control removed the animals from the property.point 86 | The animals were brought to the Edgewater Animal Shelter.point 135 | ”point 142 | 1
”The shelter is in need of donations which can be dropped off at 605 Mango Tree Drive in Edgewater.point 369 |
EPD is accepting donations for the children too (all girls).point 51 | They can be clothing items, toys or monetary donations.point 98 | These items will be accepted at the Edgewater Police Department, located at 135 East Park Avenue, Edgewater, FL 32132.point 198 | Please ensure the donations are in new condition.point 240 |
Monetary donations for the children can be made to the Edgewater Police Volunteers Association at the Police Department lobby.point 108 | ”point 115 | 1
”Greg Nelson is in EPD custody and Melissa Hamilton’s whereabouts are known, but she is not in police custody at this time.”
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