On Monday, the Animal Control Unit of the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) seized 18 animals and arrested two women, Melissa Dawn Heward, 42, of Homosassa, and Samantha Lynn Heward, 21, of Homosassa, on several animal cruelty charges.
Animal Control had been aware of issues regarding loose dogs and allegations of neglect at a residence on West Akazian Lane in Homosassa, with 38 calls for service to the address. Officers had attempted to work with owner Melissa Heward, allowing her time to get all animals up to date on rabies vaccines and county licenses and provide medical care for some minor medical issues the dogs were experiencing. Officers also repeatedly suggested Melissa decrease the number of dogs she owned to make care of her animals more manageable.
In late February of this year, Melissa was mandated to provide medical care for three dogs with skin issues and hair loss, and she complied with that mandate. Officers returned in June for a follow-up visit, and conditions inside the residence had deteriorated slightly but did not warrant the removal of the animals. Melissa was again encouraged to decrease the number of dogs in her care. During this June visit, she surrendered three puppies and five cats. Officers continued to monitor the well-being of the remaining animals and living conditions; however, on several follow-up visits, they found no one home, and on some visits, Melissa refused to allow officers entry into the home, preventing them from determining the conditions of the animals or the residence.
Officers returned on August 15 after neighbors reported hearing frequent dog fights at the address. Melissa agreed to surrender two dogs at that time but admitted she had not complied with the mandate to get the remaining dogs the required rabies vaccinations. Melissa was also advised she must provide veterinary care for the dogs that received minor injuries during the dog fights.
Officers returned on August 19 to verify that medical care had been provided and were permitted to access the residence for the first time since June 2024. Animal Control officers found that conditions inside the home were significantly worse than on any previous visit and immediately requested deputies to respond.
A total of 11 dogs and five cats were seized due to inhumane and unhealthy living conditions. Several dogs and cats had minor medical issues and were noted to have not previously received proper care. Deputies notified the Department of Children and Families (DCF) when they learned two minor children were also living in the home. DCF removed both juveniles from the house due to unfit and unhealthy living conditions. County Code Enforcement also responded due to the home being considered an unsafe structure.
Melissa Dawn Heward was arrested on 10 counts of animal cruelty associated with the 11 dogs living in the home. Her 21-year-old daughter, Samantha Lynn Heward, who also lived in the house and claimed ownership and care of the cats, was arrested on four counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
All animals were surrendered to the county and are being medically evaluated and receiving the care they need.
“These arrests serve as a reminder that our community will not tolerate animal cruelty or neglect,” said Sheriff Mike Prendergast. “We are committed to protecting all lives, including those of animals, and ensuring that those who cause harm are held accountable.”
The following arrests were made as a result of this investigation:
- Melissa Dawn Heward: Animal Cruelty and Neglect (10 counts)
- Samantha Lynn Heward: Animal Cruelty and Neglect (4 counts), Aggravated Animal Cruelty
Further charges are forthcoming pending the results of the investigation.
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