A 50-year-old man is in jail on an animal cruelty charge after Miami Beach police found 19 dogs living in filthy, hazardous conditions inside a home on North Michigan Avenue. An elderly woman who also lived there was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Officers went to 4300 North Michigan Avenue to conduct a welfare check on the woman, working alongside the Florida Department of Children and Families. What they found inside, officials said, was a horror show. Four puppies were weak and dying, and other parts of the house were so unsanitary that they posed significant health and safety concerns. Eleven other dogs were also found in deplorable conditions.
Body camera footage captured one responding officer describing the discovery. "There are four pups and the dogs. The pups are inside a bathtub. If you want to come see…" the officer said.
Detectives determined that Jorge Morillo had lived at the home for about five years and was responsible for both the dogs and the elderly woman. Investigators say he was hoarding animals and wrecking the property, making life miserable for the woman and for the 19 dogs sharing the space.
Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess did not hold back in describing the scene. "What was discovered inside was heartbreaking to say the least," he said. He added that the house was in terrible shape, with holes in the floor and ceiling, broken windows and feces everywhere. "He took full advantage of this elderly victim and the condition of the home," Bess said.
Police arrested Morillo. During a recorded interview, officers said, he acknowledged his role in the care of the animals.
Miami-Dade Animal Services crews safely removed all of the dogs and transported them for veterinary evaluation and medical care. After the animals were out, officials condemned the home.
Bess said the department wants the public to understand where it stands. "Our message is very clear. We will not tolerate animal cruelty of any sort. He neglected these animals, he neglected our elderly victim, and he's paying the price as we speak," he said.
Morillo remains behind bars and faces a charge of animal cruelty.
