A Hernando County man is facing multiple charges related to animal cruelty after 30 dogs were removed from his property last month, according to the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO).
Jose Gonzalez-Cruz, 49, was arrested on April 4 at a civil court appearance after a warrant was issued for his arrest on charges of felony aggravated animal cruelty and animal cruelty. He was booked into the Hernando County Jail on a $3,500 bond.
The arrest stems from a March 7 inspection of Gonzalez-Cruz’s residence on Margot Road in northwest Hernando County. Sheriff’s deputies, animal enforcement officers and forensic specialists executed a warrant after receiving reports of suspected animal neglect.
Investigators found that none of the 30 bulldog-mix dogs on the property had proper shelter. Twenty-two dogs had no water or only non-potable water, including containers filled with mold and dead lizards. Nine dogs were visibly underweight with exposed ribs and hip bones, while six had open, bleeding wounds.
Authorities also noted unsanitary living conditions, including dogs kept in undersized crates with exposed wire flooring, and porches with rotting wood and no dry ground access. The ground beneath many of the kennels was muddy with a mixture of feces and urine, and the smell was described as overpowering.
Despite the conditions, the dogs reportedly remained friendly toward people. All 30 were impounded and transported to Hernando County Animal Services.
Following a thorough investigation, the sheriff’s office presented its findings to the State Attorney’s Office, which resulted in criminal charges and an arrest.
In a hearing held April 14 as part of a fitness petition, Gonzalez-Cruz was ordered to surrender all remaining dogs and is now prohibited from owning or possessing animals. He pleaded guilty to citations for owning unvaccinated and unlicensed animals and entered a no-contest plea to a citation for animal mistreatment.
Twenty-five of the dogs have been relinquished to Animal Services. The remaining five will remain impounded until a judge determines whether they will be returned or become property of the county.
Gonzalez-Cruz’s next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, May 7. The investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information related to the case is encouraged to contact Hernando County Crime Stoppers at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477), submit tips via cell phone, or visit hernandocountycrimestoppers.com. Tipsters remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
