Jacksonville Couple charged with Neglect after child found living with dozens of animals

Jacksonville — A couple is facing charges after JSO says they found a child  living in the house filled with trash and animal feces.

Christopher Skelton and and Samantha Skelton were arrested for Child Neglect and Cruelty to Animals August 24.

The arrest report paints the grim conditions of the couples home on the Northwest side. Police say they were called to the home in the Dinsmore neighborhood in reference to animal neglect.

The officer visiting the home was advised there were as dozens of animals at the house,  including four dogs and 20 cats.

In the report the responding officer details, “a heavy ammonia smell,” which required him to wear a mask upon immediately entering the home.

“While walking to the rear bedroom I observed the only bed which had feces on the sheets,” The report reads. “I further observed the bedroom was littered with trash and feces everywhere.”

A child is found in the home, with a cut under their eye, said to be from a cat scratch.  The Department of Children and Families was called to the home and the child placed in their protection.

Animal Services was also called to the home, the report says, agency officers decided “due to the enormous amount of feces in the residence it is unsafe for humans and animals to breathe the toxic fumes. “