Betsy Velasquez, 34, from Florida was arrested and charged with child neglect after her 10-year-old son was repeatedly going to school late, hungry and in dirty clothing.
According to Reuters, the boy went to school and told his teacher he could not remember the last time he took a bath. He showed up in dirty clothing and told investigators he was forced to pick clothes from a dirty hamper. The teacher alerted authorities who then went to the home.
Five children, aged 8 to 14, and seven dogs were found in the home. The deputy who investigated wore a face mask, and reported that the walls, furniture and areas of the ceiling were covered in urine and dog feces.
Velasquez was defensive, and not cooperating when deputies went to her home, reported News 13.
“Initially she was uncooperative and she claimed that there was plenty of food. She had paid the bills, everything was up to date,” said Twis Lizasuain, the sheriff office spokesperson.
Velasquez admitted that she did not clean the home in six months. The children were removed from the home and are staying with relatives, and the dogs were taken by animal control.
The case is being investigated by DCF.