Deputies say a Lake County woman is facing a long list of animal cruelty charges after investigators found 31 emaciated zebu-style cattle on a Tavares property. The cows were reportedly so underfed that ribs, spines, and pelvic bones were plainly visible, and later tests showed parasitic infections in several of the animals. The herd was removed during an April welfare check and, according to officials, most of the cattle have since been placed with cattlemen for ongoing care. The owner now faces 31 counts of animal cruelty.
What Deputies Found
According to ClickOrlando, an animal-welfare investigator went to a property on Atlantis Road in April for a welfare check, and a probable-cause affidavit describes the herd as being in "extremely poor body condition." Deputies reported seeing little to no grass in the pasture, scattered hay trampled into the dirt, and cows that were not observed chewing cud, which they viewed as a sign of serious nutritional distress. Those observations were part of the basis for the county's decision to seize the livestock.
Arrest And Booking
WFTV reported that authorities arrested Lori Ann Gonzalez on Wednesday in Tavares and charged her with 31 counts of animal cruelty. She was booked into the Lake County Jail with a bond set at $77,500, the station reported. Prosecutors and the sheriff's office did not immediately release additional details about the timeline of the investigation or any potential motives.
Veterinary Findings And The Herd's Fate
WESH reported that deputies initially obtained a search warrant, but the owner surrendered the animals, prompting a veterinarian to examine the herd. Deputies described lethargy and other signs of malnutrition. Per ClickOrlando, tests conducted after the seizure found gastrointestinal parasites, and most of the cows had body condition scores consistent with severe emaciation. The sheriff's office told reporters that cattlemen have adopted most of the animals so they could receive feed and veterinary care.
Legal Context
Florida law defines several forms of animal cruelty and makes aggravated animal cruelty a third-degree felony, including neglect, such as depriving animals of necessary sustenance. Fla. Stat. §828.12 outlines the offense, and the state's general sentencing rules (see Fla. Stat. §775.082) allow a third-degree felony to carry up to five years in prison and fines in many cases. Courts can also prohibit convicted people from owning or possessing animals for a period set by the judge.
What Comes Next
The sheriff's office says the investigation is ongoing and the case will be reviewed by prosecutors, WFTV reported. Authorities have not announced any court dates as the review continues.
