Deltona couple found living in deplorable conditions with elderly woman, two teens

DELTONA, Fla. — A Deltona couple was arrested and charged with child neglect, elderly neglect and animal cruelty after deputies said the duo was living in a filthy home, with more than 60 cats.

Deputies said they were called to the home on Captain Drive Wednesday morning to help Deltona Animal Control officers with a search warrant, so that city officials could check on the conditions of the home.

As deputies approached the house, they said they immediately smelled a strong odor emanating from the home.

After finding dozens of cats living in the home, which they said was covered in animal urine and feces, they arrested Timothy Horne, 51, and Renee Horne, 55.

Deputies said a 15-year-old girl, a 16-year-old boy and a 75-year-old woman who suffers from dementia, were living in the deplorable conditions as well.

They said there were also dirty dishes strewn about the kitchen counter top and that there were flies throughout the entire downstairs house.

Piles of animal feces were found in the bedrooms, bathrooms and hallways, officers said.

They found a total of 61 cats and three dogs.

The Department of Children and Families was called to assist with the teenagers.

The children were turned over to relatives and the 75-year-old woman was taken to the hospital for medical treatment.

The suspects are being held in jail without bond.

WFTV