An Ocala man is facing felony animal cruelty charges after deputies say a dog was found dead inside a crate at a residence on Spring Drive, while other dogs at the property showed signs of neglect.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a home on the 450 block of Spring Drive on April 8 to assist with an eviction. Upon arrival, neither Luciano Torres Jr. nor his girlfriend was at the residence.
While outside the fenced yard, deputies observed a German Shepherd with visible skin issues. After entering the property, they discovered two additional dogs inside the home, including a young pit bull mix described as severely underweight, with its ribs and backbone clearly visible.
Animal Control was called to the scene and prepared to take custody of the animals.
While walking the property, a representative assisting with the eviction uncovered a deceased dog inside a medium-sized crate that had been covered with blankets and sheets. The affidavit states the dog appeared to have been dead for an extended period, with only small amounts of hair and decomposed skin remaining on its bones. Two bowls believed to have been used for food and water were found inside the crate, though deputies noted no signs of recent use.
A neighbor told deputies the dog belonged to Torres and was frequently kept in the crate, where it would bark regularly. The neighbor also stated he had not heard the dog for several months and had never seen it being fed or given water.
Torres later arrived at the residence and told deputies he was unaware of the dead dog. According to the report, his account changed multiple times. He initially claimed the dog did not belong to him and said an unknown child had brought the animal to his home months earlier. He admitted to placing the dog in the crate but said it had been removed the same night, later suggesting the dog would come and go from the property.
During questioning, Torres acknowledged he did not place food or water in the crate.
Deputies noted physical evidence in the yard, including a rectangular area consistent with the crate’s placement, along with dog feces and hair matching the deceased animal, indicating the dog had been confined there for an extended period.
Based on witness statements and observations at the scene, deputies determined it was unlikely Torres was unaware of the dog’s condition. Authorities concluded the lack of food and water led to prolonged suffering and ultimately the dog’s death.
Torres was arrested later that day at a residence on Bahia Road in Ocala. He faces a felony charge of animal cruelty causing death, along with a misdemeanor charge related to confining an animal without sufficient food or water. His bond was set at $2,500 for the felony charge and $500 for the misdemeanor.
The surviving animals were taken into custody by Marion County Animal Services.
