Hernando Woman Charged With 14 Animal Cruelty Counts After 52 Cats Removed

Deputies responding to a late-night welfare check on East Eureka Court in Citrus Hills encountered conditions so severe that some officers left with watering eyes and burning throats. The overwhelming ammonia odor hit them as soon as they entered the golf-course-adjacent home of 76-year-old Jill C. Swaim of Hernando, according to the Citrus County Sheriff's Office.

Inside, deputies found extensive accumulations of feces and urine throughout the residence and a deceased cat decomposing in the bathroom. The welfare check, conducted late on the night of March 9, set off a two-day removal operation that ultimately pulled 52 living cats from the home.

On the first day, animal control officers and sheriff's deputies removed 13 living cats alongside the dead one. They returned the following morning, March 10, and removed an additional 39 cats. All 52 surviving animals were transported to Citrus County Animal Services, where they are receiving housing, veterinary examinations, and medical care.

Swaim was arrested Monday and charged with 13 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty. The Citrus County Sheriff's Office has said more charges could be forthcoming once all animals have been fully evaluated.

The case carries a detail that investigators found notable: deputies described Swaim as a known volunteer for multiple animal rescue organizations in Citrus County. At least one of those organizations, according to the sheriff's office, was aware that conditions at Swaim's home had deteriorated to the point where it was no longer appropriate for fostering animals. That organization never notified Animal Control.

Anyone who suspects animal neglect or abuse in Citrus County can contact the sheriff's office non-emergency line at 352-249-2790.