Edgewater police report 245 animals of various species were all in "deplorable living conditions," as were three children at a Florida home with three adults.

The odor of animal urine and feces and the deplorable living conditions in an Edgewater home were so overwhelming that a man at the home called police to ask for a well-being check and his girlfriend tried to commit suicide, authorities said.

Authorities arriving at the home on Sunday found three children and 246 animals of various species at the home covered in feces and urine with some rooms that had ankle-deep garbage, police said.

"I have been to many bad houses but that is probably the worst house I’ve ever entered," said Edgewater police Chief Joe Mahoney on Monday. "I felt bad for the little girls. It’s just sad."

Three people living in the home -- Susan Nelson, 43, Greg Nelson, 57, and Melissa Hamilton, 49 -- at 2721 Royal Palm Drive face three counts of child abuse and 66 counts of animal cruelty charges, police said.

According to arrest reports, on Sunday around 1:50 p.m., Greg Nelson called police to report that he had decided to end his relationship with his wife, Susan Nelson, and his live-in girlfriend, Hamilton. Greg Nelson wanted to take his three children but since Susan Nelson would not let him he called police, telling them he believed the home was uninhabitable for the children, investigators said.

"It was immediately evident neither the children, nor the animals were being cared for properly," according to a statement released Monday by the Edgewater Police Department.

When officers arrived Sunday at the residence, they found three children ages 8, 9 and 10. They also found "a dead guinea pig in a cage, rotting food, animal feces and urine throughout the residence," the release said.

While police were at the scene, Greg Nelson complained of chest pains and was taken to AdventHealth New Smyrna Beach. Hamilton revealed she had taken swallowed 17 Xanax pills in an attempt to end her life. Hamilton said she was going to lose everything and she felt as though she had no reason to continue living, police said.

Hamilton was taken to a hospital for treatment and mental evaluation, a report said.

The children were taken by the Department of Children and Families and were placed with another family member, the release said, while Edgewater police and Edgewater Animal Control removed the animals and brought them to the Edgewater Animal Shelter. Many of the animals require medical care, according to a Facebook post from the shelter.

In all, there were four dogs, two cats, nine living guinea pigs, 12 rabbits, four hamsters, 10 sugar gliders (small, flying opossums), 14 birds, one gecko, one tortoise, one hedgehog, seven bearded dragons, one leopard spotted gecko, 95 mice, 60 adult rats and 23 baby rats, the release said.

The shelter is in need of donations which can be dropped off at 605 Mango Tree Drive in Edgewater.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

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