GENEVA, Fla. — The number of dogs killed after a house fire in Geneva has now risen to at least 15.
Deputies said Terrance Banks intentionally set his home on fire with the dogs inside on Monday morning.
According to an arrest report, Banks admitted to the crimes, telling deputies he poured gasoline on the floor of his home and started the fire in the kitchen.
Banks is now facing at least 11 counts of animal cruelty and an arson charge.
Investigators said Banks is likely to face additional counts of animal cruelty.
According to Seminole County animal services, only three of the dogs, all pitbull mixes, survived the fire.
One surviving pup ran away from the home during the fire and has not yet been located. Two other dogs are currently receiving round-the-clock care from Seminole County Animal Services.
“It looks like a little mini-ER for humans back there right now with oxygen and all the things that we provide the animals,” said Alan Harris, the director of emergency services.
Investigators said at least 18 dogs were inside the home at the time, some stuck in their cages as the walls around them burned.
Animal Services said two dogs brought to them in serious condition on Monday didn’t survive the night.
“It’s really sad for law enforcement to see this type of activity and to see the animals just left inside while the house is burning,” said Harris.
Court records show that Banks had a prior criminal history. He was arrested in 2021 on domestic violence charges. While those charges were eventually dropped, his parents told investigators that during an argument in 2020 Terrance threatened to burn the house down.
In court on Tuesday, Banks’ attorney asked a judge to have him mentally evaluated. His attorney said he was concerned Banks may have been experiencing psychosis.
Prosecutors argued he was a threat to both himself and the community overall.
The judge agreed to delay setting bond on the Arson charge until a mental health evaluation could be completed.
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