An Orange County woman charged with animal cruelty turned herself into authorities Friday evening, county officials said. Her son was also charged with animal cruelty and was arrested that afternoon.
Cynthia Riggan, 65, and Taylor Doar, 35, were arrested after 57 dogs and puppies were seized from two properties during the execution of a search warrant.
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The Orange County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant at the properties off Alexander Drive with the help of Orange County Animal Services. Animal Control had received information on Oct. 9 of malnourished animals, parasitic infestations, and unsanitary conditions in the dogs. Animal Control officers investigated at the residences, which they were familiar with as properties that kenneled and bred dogs.
According to Bob Marotto, Animal Services director, the dogs will be given complete medical evaluations and treated as necessary.
“They will be held at our facility as we go through the legal process," Marotto said in a press release from the Orange County Sheriff's Office. "If they become the property of Orange County, we will take all reasonable measures to ensure the animals have long lives and are appropriately rehomed if the case is decided in our favor.”
An investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible, officials said.