Deputies investigating alleged animal neglect at Apopka feed store
Orange County officials are investigating a closed Apopka store on suspicion of animal neglect and abandonment.
Neighbors next to the now closed Price Farm and Feed store on Mt. Plymouth Road say that there may be more than four dozen animals behind the feed store that have been neglected.
Dewey Hendricks, a neighbor, said he was glad something was doing done to help them.
"For the animals sake, we had to just call," Hendricks said.
Another concerned neighbor, who did not wish to be identified, said the animals were kept in horrible condition.
"There's no grass, barely any treats back there. It's all dirt, lots of trash," said the neighbor. "Barely any food, water, it's very unlivable."
The agriculture unit at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office arrived Tuesday morning and initially found a dead mini horse and three deceased pigs. Investigators say the animals had access to food and water.
A veterinarian who confirms that some animals are in a better condition than others was called to check on the horses, pigs, donkeys, sheep and goats who survived. Another horse had to be euthanized.
WESH 2 News was unable to speak with the business owner, but spoke to a former worker by phone who believed another co-worker was caring for the animals. Eventually, the employee arrived on scene and spoke with investigators.
A contractor is removing the animals from the scene as police continue their investigation.