MARION COUNTY, Fla. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Office seeks the arrest of a man accused of dozens of counts of animal cruelty.
Matthew Wayne Keel is wanted on a warrant regarding 19 counts of animal cruelty and 23 counts of aggravated animal cruelty, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
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Feb. 1, at a home in the 5700 block of NW 6th Street, Marion County Animal Services personnel and deputies located 53 dogs described as living in deplorable conditions, the post states. One of the dogs was found dead, others were in dire need of medical attention and dead dogs were even found in a freezer, the sheriff’s office said.
Though a warrant for Keel’s arrest was obtained, investigators said he may have left the state. Either way, the sheriff’s office has been unable to locate Keel, the post states.
Anyone with knowledge of Keel’s whereabouts was urged to call the sheriff’s office at 352-732-9111 — or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-7867 to remain anonymous — referencing case No. 24-12.
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