Miami-Dade Property Owner Faces Dozens Of Animal Cruelty Charges

MIAMI, FL — Animal cruelty charges were filed this week against a property owner in southwest Miami-Dade where more than 200 horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, alpacas, sheep, goats, emus, turkeys, geese, ducks and chickens were "rescued" at the start of the year from deplorable conditions. The animals were seized as part of a criminal investigation dubbed "Operation Noah's Ark."

Dvir Derhy is facing 20 Counts of third-degree cruelty to animals, 42 Counts of abandonment of animals without food and shelter and two counts of abandonment of animals without sufficient food, water or air, according to the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office.

“The allegations are that Devir Derhy intentionally did not want to seek out veterinarian services that he knew were needed, that he was told were needed, that he did not believe in veterinarian services for these animals” explained Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle.

The charges stem from a Dec. 27, 2018 call to the Miami-Dade Police Department regarding a dispute between a Derhy and his tenant. Prosecutors said Derhy and the tenant were both on the property when officers arrived in the 26000 block of SW 182nd Avenue.

"The tenant indicated that he was the caretaker for all the animals at the property and lived there," according to prosecutors, who said that Derhy owns all of the animals on the land.

"The tenant invited the officers onto the property to view the conditions of the animals. Mr. Derhy also accompanied the police officers," prosecutors explained. "Many of the hundreds of domestic farm animals observed on the site showed clear signs of physical distress."

Ed Griffith of the State Attorney's Office told Patch that investigators acted quickly to remove the animals but then conducted a thorough investigation before bringing charges.

"Often the extent of injuries is not apparent until some time after the harm has occurred, so we wanted to take our time and let the full extent of the injuries become known," he explained. "We also spent some time tracking down all feed and veterinary records, as well as numerous witnesses who could speak to the long-term care of the animals. Because of the delay in filing charges, we were able to build a strong case without the time restrictions."

Miami-Dade prosecutors said more than two dozen animals were seen limping by the Miami-Dade Police Agricultural Patrol.

The following are some of the disturbing observations made by police, according to Miami-Dade prosecutors:

• "A small white goat was unable to bear weight on either hind leg. To walk, he briefly hopped on one hind leg. This gave him the appearance of doing handstands as he walked. Even when resting, the goat would not place any weight on his left, hind foot. He was later found to have severe hoof rot.
• A white and black sheep was unable to bear weight on either front leg. To move, she leaned on her front knees and pushed herself forward. Because she was unable to walk, she could not reach the wading pools of water or the feed. This sheep resorted to drinking the urine of another sheep in order to get water. Her claws were extremely long and turned up. Hoofed animals naturally wear down their hooves by walking. The length of the claws indicated she had not walked in months.
• A black goat with brown and white was suffering from severe hoof rot. He could not put any weight on his hind foot, and was limping on other feet. His injuries required him to be euthanized.
• Multiple animals had visible hip, rib and back bones protruding. One white sheep with black ticking and a black head had severely overgrown feet. Her ribs, spine, and hips protruded several inches. She also suffered from severe conjunctivitis which caused the eyes to swell and produce puss."

The State Attorney's Office said that four of the animals found on the property had to be euthanized. A llama died from starvation and 60 other animals have needed "extensive medical treatment" for their injuries. Prosecutors said that animals were severely infected with parasites.

"When questioned, Mr. Derhy stated he would not pay for veterinary care when he could purchase a new animal for a less money," prosecutors said. "He stated the vet would just tell him to put the animal down. The subject felt it was better to leave the animal untreated."

The tenant told Derhy that the animals needed medical care but Derhy never provided any medical care to the animals while the tenant was living on the property, prosecutors said.

Within 48 hours of the initial visit by police in late December, 19 animals had been removed. "All animals removed were unable to bear weight on at least one leg or were emaciated and judged to be in immediate danger of dying from starvation," said prosecutors.

By Jan. 3, a total of 206 animals had been removed from the property.

Fernandez Rundle praised prosecutors Melissa Sandness and Chief Assistant Kathleen Hoague; detectives from the Miami-Dade Police Department's Agricultural Patrol; the South Florida SPCA and the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department for their work on the case.

To report a tip, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305)471-TIPS (8477) or (866) 471-8477; Visit www.crimestoppersmiami.com and select “Give a Tip” or text "CSMD" followed by the tip information to 274637.