Dunnellon, Florida — A Florida woman is facing felony animal cruelty charges after a large-scale investigation uncovered dozens of allegedly neglected animals living in disturbing conditions at a breeding business in Citrus County.
Authorities say the case involved approximately 92 animals found on a 5-acre property, prompting a multi-day rescue operation and one of the largest animal welfare investigations in the area in recent memory.
Investigation Begins After Distress Call
According to the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and Animal Control officers responded to a property known as Moonstone Field after receiving a report about a horse in severe distress.
Investigators identified 38-year-old Christina Mary Pitts as the person responsible for the care and management of the animals on the property.
When officials arrived, they found a horse suffering so severely that a veterinarian determined humane euthanasia was necessary. Authorities later learned that another horse had died weeks earlier and had reportedly been buried in a shallow grave on the property.
Dozens of Animals Found in Poor Condition
As investigators searched the property, they discovered a large number of animals requiring immediate attention. The animals included horses, dairy goats, Florida Native sheep, dogs, cats, exotic birds, chickens and even a turtle.
According to officials, 13 horses were identified as suffering from conditions severe enough to support felony charges. The full medical condition of the surviving animals remains under review as veterinarians continue conducting examinations.
Authorities have not yet announced whether additional criminal charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
Sheriff Describes Scene as Heartbreaking
Officials involved in the rescue operation described the conditions as deeply troubling.
“This was one of the most heartbreaking scenes our team has encountered,” Sheriff David Vincent said.
“The level of suffering these animals endured was completely preventable, but I’m proud of how our deputies, Citrus County Animal Services, and Countryside Animal Clinic worked together to make sure every surviving animal received the care they needed.”
The sheriff credited emergency responders, veterinarians and animal welfare personnel for working together to remove and care for the animals.
Witness Describes Disturbing Conditions
A local resident who contacted authorities said she initially believed a horse near the edge of the property had already died.
“The horse that I thought had died was actually barely alive,” the witness said. “And when they came on scene and saw her condition, they went ahead and euthanized her right there at the spot.”
The woman said the conditions she observed were unlike anything she had seen before.
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“It was a beautiful breeding farm, and it was this… now [it] is so dilapidated, there were just, there was a beer can pile,” she said.
She also described serious concerns involving hoof care and the condition of several horses.
“There was abuse. The animals once I was there and I saw the animals’ feet were not done, horses’ feet were not done,” she said. “So, they were in very bad repair or care. There were several lame horses.”
Rescue Effort Continues
Because of the large number of animals involved, authorities said the investigation and rescue effort continued for several days. Animal welfare teams worked alongside veterinarians to assess, transport and provide treatment to the surviving animals.
The witness also encouraged animal owners facing difficulties to seek assistance before situations become unmanageable.
“Sanctuaries will help, rescues will help if you get yourself in over your head,” she said. “But if you don’t reach out, and you end up like this lady, then you’re going to jail. It was extremely, extremely disturbing.”
Pitts was booked into the Citrus County Detention Facility, while investigators continue reviewing evidence and conducting forensic examinations.
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