Bodycam shows upset officers discovering 19 dogs in deplorable conditions in Miami Beach

After what started as a welfare check in Miami Beach on an elderly woman, officers were shocked and visibly upset by what they saw: 19 dogs living in deplorable conditions, including four puppies found inside a cooler covered in urine and feces.

The discovery happened Tuesday in the 4300 block of North Michigan Avenue. In the bodycam, officers are seen making their way through a backyard littered with garbage. Then, they spot the four tiny puppies inside an uncovered cooler surrounded by urine and feces

“Puppies are alive? I don’t know, one looks like it’s almost breathing, but…” the officers are heard saying.

According to Miami Beach Police, the puppies were about four weeks old, had no access to food or water, and appeared lethargic and in need of medical care.

Investigators say the puppies were among 19 dogs found at the home, where an elderly woman was also living.

“What we saw inside was heartbreaking to say the least,” said Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess. “The elderly female, in addition to 19 dogs, were living in deplorable conditions, four of which were puppies that were hanging on dear life.”

The police report described trash throughout the home and yard, animal waste scattered inside and outside, no electricity and sections of flooring that had caved in.

The city says the conditions were so severe, the home was deemed unsafe for anyone to occupy.

“You had holes in the floor, holes in the ceiling, broken windows and feces everywhere,” Bess said. “He took advantage of our victim and he’s paying the price as we speak.”

Police say 50-year-old Jorge Morillo lived at the residence intermittently and cared for the elderly woman for about five years and was responsible for the dogs.

Body camera video also captured Morillo being handcuffed on the front porch and escorted to a patrol car. He was charged with one count of animal cruelty.

All 19 dogs were removed by Miami-Dade Animal Services and taken for veterinary evaluation and medical care.

The elderly woman was transported to Mount Sinai Medical Center for further evaluation.

The home remains off-limits under a city-issued order to vacate.