An Ocala woman is facing animal cruelty charges after two “severely emaciated” dogs were discovered inside a local residence.
According to the arrest record, a Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy responded to a home on SW 21st Place on Wednesday, October 22, after discovering two abandoned dogs on the premises.
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The deputy arrived on the scene and spoke with a Marion County Animal Control officer, who informed him that a huge, starving dog had been discovered inside a vacant property. According to the report, a neighbor informed police that the dog’s owner, Stephanie Nicole Delcastillo, 36, had moved out some weeks ago.
The deputy visited the home’s rear and peeked through a window, finding “various items strewn along the floor” as well as “a large amount of fecal matter.” A large dog, identified as one-year-old Maui, was seen resting down on the kitchen floor.
The report noted that Maui seemed to be in terrible health and malnourished. A second dog, three-year-old Maverick, was also discovered in the home and was clearly malnourished.
Animal Control acquired and carried out a search warrant at the residence, and both canines were brought to a nearby veterinarian for medical treatment.
During a test, Maui weighed about 33 pounds and had “dehydration” and “severe emaciation.” The report stated that the second dog, Maverick, was in severe condition and weighed about 60 pounds.
To alleviate further agony, Maverick was “humanely euthanized”. According to the report, a necropsy was performed on Maverick and the following objects were discovered in his stomach: huge bits of porcelain and glass, two ketchup packets, and plastic waste. Furthermore, Maverick’s small intestine included bits of porcelain, glass, paper, and rubber.
On Monday, December 22, Delcastillo was interviewed by an MCSO investigator, and she stated that she had moved out of the residence in mid-August when “the power was shut off.” She allegedly stated that she visited the property “every day or every other day to feed the dogs and give them water.”
In a subsequent interview, Delcastillo’s husband revealed to police that he was working in another state. He stated that both canines appeared to be in good health when he last saw them in May, and that he had been giving money to Delcastillo to “pay for dog food,” according to the report.
On Friday, December 26, Delcastillo was arrested and put into the Marion County Jail. She was released the same day after posting bond and has been charged with two counts of aggravated animal cruelty resulting in extreme pain or death.
Delcastillo’s court date has not yet been scheduled, according to jail records.
