Two people in Brevard County now face animal cruelty charges in connection with a house fire that killed 45 cats, four dogs, two racoons and a bird.
- Merritt Island house fire killed 45 cats, 4 dogs, 2 racoons, 1 bird
- Investigators say conditions in house consistent with animal hoarding
- 2 charged with felony and misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty
Jacquelyn Traum, 67, and 55-year-old Daniel Brantley were charged with four felony counts and 74 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty.
Some of the charges are because they had too many animals in one dwelling. The felony counts are for not getting veterinary care for their dogs.
The case was discovered during a fire earlier this month at a house on Kennwood Avenue in Merritt Island.
Fire crews say Traum and Brantley frantically tried to remove the animals from the home when the fire broke out. Fourteen dogs and one cat were rescued.
Sheriff's office animal service personnel said the condition of the home was deplorable and consistent with animal hoarding, calling the living conditions inhumane and unsanitary.
Some of the animals that survived also had severe medical issues that required treatment.
Investigators believe having so many animals in the home likely increased the effects of the fire.
Both Traum and Brantley are being held at the Brevard County Jail on a $45,000 bond.