As Citrus County animal control crews continue to rescue dozens of neglected and malnourished cats found inside a vacant Floral City home on Thursday, deputies have made two arrests.
Victoria Gatto, 42, was arrested and charged with animal cruelty and animal abandonment on Friday. Her bond was set at $2,000. Officials also arrested Gatto's boyfriend, 49-year-old John Callagy, who was living with her at a hotel in Inverness.
So far crews have removed 86 cats and most them are not suitable for adoption and will most likely be euthanized.
Crews said rescuing the cats has been a challenge because they hid inside the house structure. They also said the conditions inside the home are much worse than the potent smell coming from the home.
"There are no words, I can't tell you how horrific it is -- how nasty," said animal control unit supervisor, Lora Peckham. "The smell isn't even the worst part. It is the accumulated feces that in many areas are knee deep."