Investigators on the case found the animals locked inside various crates and believe the animals were not allowed to go outside. The walls and floors of the home were soaked with urine, according to the County, and many of the animals were dealing with skin conditions, such as mange and ringworm, in addition to some of the animals having facial deformities.
An assortment of other mistreated animals were found on the property including 30 gerbils (some with skin lesions and broken legs), a goat with lesions on its knees believed to have been caused by the goat needing to walk on its knees since its hooves were overgrown, as well as nine roosters all with mite infestations.
The owner could not provide investigators with vet records or proof the dogs had been spayed or neutered. All animals were removed from the home after a Pinal County judge issued a warrant for such action.
“Cases like this just break our hearts. Not only were there too many animals kept in unsanitary conditions, most were suffering from a lack of basic care,” Animal Care and Control director Kaye Dickson said in a press release.
“This is our third case of excessive animals or hoarding for 2013 and I hope it is our last. We are grateful to have many volunteers who are trained to assist with these large cases so we can assess the animals on intake.”
According to the County, Animal Care and Control has to assess each canine and then petition a judge to award custody to the County before determining if any can be rehabilitated and put up for adoption.
Pinal County Sheriff’s Office deputies who assisted with the call also found a shotgun and marijuana at the home, and confiscated those items.
Pinal County communications director Heather Murphy said the County Attorney’s Office will be considering charges in the case.
“A veterinarian is examining the animals and once the vet reports and investigation are completed, Animal Care and Control will forward the case to the County Attorney’s office with a recommendation for felony charges, which could range from felony animal neglect to cruelty,” she said Tuesday.
(Maricopa Monitor - April 19, 2013)
