Citrus County Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison for Animal Cruelty

Jason Dion Munn, 48, was sentenced to nine years in the Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to 21 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty. Munn operated one of Citrus County’s largest dog breeders.

Between April 5 and April 8, 2022, Munn surrendered 15 dogs to the Citrus County Animal Shelter. Based on the condition of the surrendered dogs, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office went to Munn’s breeding facility with a search warrant to determine the condition of his remaining dogs. During the search, 56 dogs were seized. Many were emaciated, including several pregnant and nursing mothers. Some of the dogs were confined in small kennels while others had no access to either food or water. In addition to the live animals, one dead and decomposing puppy, still lying next to his mother, and several other dead dogs or parts of dogs were recovered.

Munn was charged and pled guilty to 21 counts of Aggravated Animal Cruelty. On February 23, 2023, The Honorable Judge Fritton sentenced Munn to 108 months in the Department of Corrections, followed by a term of home confinement of 12 months. Munn was also ordered to never own any animals again. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Patricia Diaz.

State Attorney Bill Gladson recently established an Animal Cruelty Task Force for Citrus, Hernando, Marion, Lake, and Sumter counties. The goal of the task force is for law enforcement, animal services, and other animal protection organizations to work together to effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty crimes throughout the Fifth Judicial Circuit.

Posted February 24, 2023