MIAMI BEACH, FL — A Miami Beach man is facing an animal cruelty charge after police said officers found 19 dogs and an elderly woman living in severely unsanitary conditions during a welfare check on Tuesday. Miami Beach police said the visit began when officers responded to a home at North Michigan Avenue and West 43rd Street to help the Florida Department of Children and Families check on the woman’s well-being.
Investigators said the conditions inside raised immediate health and safety concerns. Police later said the dogs included 15 adults and four puppies, all of whom were removed from the home and taken for veterinary evaluation and medical care.
Police describe severe sanitation problems inside the home
Officers said the residence appeared to be in deplorable condition when they entered. According to Miami Beach police, the home contained living conditions that were not only unsanitary but also dangerous for both the elderly resident and the animals.
Police said the puppies were found inside an uncovered cooler contaminated with feces and urine. Officer Chris Bess described the scene as heartbreaking and said the four puppies were hanging on to dear life. The adult dogs and puppies were later turned over to Miami-Dade Animal Services, which handled the removal and transport.
Investigators say Morillo lived there off and on for years
Miami Beach police detectives identified the suspect as Jorge Morillo, 50, and said he had lived at the residence intermittently for about five years. Investigators said they determined he was responsible for the dogs and that he acknowledged his role during a recorded interview.
Police arrested Morillo on one count of animal cruelty. Officer Bess said the caretaker who also lived in the home neglected the pets and was held accountable. After his jail release Wednesday night, Morillo told CBS News Miami in Spanish that he did not live in the Miami Beach home and said he stayed in an apartment in a condo building on Meridian Avenue.
Building inspectors said the property was unsafe to occupy
Because of the condition of the residence, Miami Beach building officials inspected the property and concluded it was unsafe for occupancy. The department issued an order to vacate, meaning the home could not be used until the safety issues are addressed.
Police said the inspection was part of a broader response that involved city departments and county agencies. Chief Wayne A. Jones said the case showed what can happen when local teams work together to protect a vulnerable resident and care for neglected animals.
The elderly resident was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center
The elderly woman found in the home was not identified by police. Officers said she was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center for further evaluation after the welfare check.
Police said the investigation began as a concern for her safety and expanded once officers and detectives saw the extent of the conditions inside the house. The woman’s situation, along with the condition of the dogs, prompted involvement from fire, code enforcement, building and animal services personnel.
City and county agencies worked together on the response
In a statement, Chief Jones thanked Miami Beach police officers, the Miami Beach Fire Department, Code Enforcement, the Building Department and county partners for responding quickly. He said that teamwork helped protect the resident and bring the dogs out of the home safely.
Miami Beach police said the case was still centered on accountability for the caretaker they believe neglected the animals. Morillo’s statements after his release stood in contrast to what investigators said they learned during the case, but police have not indicated any further charges in the matter.
