On 12-16-18, Animal Enforcement Officers (AEO) from Hernando County Sheriffs office responded to 12429 Ponce De Leon Boulevard in Brooksville to conduct a mandatory kennel inspection at Blackrock Kennels, owned by Joe Cox. During the inspection, the AEO noted that the dogs (all Labrador Retrievers) were not being cared for properly and were living in deplorable conditions. Two dogs, that appeared to be in distress, were immediately removed from the property by an AEO officer and taken to Hernando County Animal Services for care. Deputies and Animal Enforcement Officers sought a court order to remove the remaining dogs from the property. As a result of the court order the remaining 19 Labrador Retrievers were seized from the property on 12/21/18. .
All of the dogs are currently being cared for by the veterinarian at Hernando County Animal Services. The investigation is still active and there is no additional information available at this time.
