Seminole County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Carolyn Vaughn Saturday after finding several dead horses on her property.
David Hanson, Seminole County Deputy Sheriff said more than 100 animals were seized from the property including horses, llamas, a bearded dragon, chinchillas, rabbits, goats, pigs, cows, and dogs.
Hanson said in court, many of these animals suffered from worms and other parasites. He described Vaughn's property as an environment unfit for animals, mentioning details that include no grass, dirty water, and feces covering the ground.
"I've heard of nothing else in Seminole county that's like this," said Hanson.
Hanson describes this animal cruelty case as the worst case in Seminole County History.
Vaughn turned away from cameras as she walked into the North Courtroom at the Seminole County Courthouse. As Hanson testified before a Seminole County Judge, Vaughn appeared choked up as her attorney questioned the deputy sheriff.
After hearing Vaughn's case, the judge lowered her bond from $100,000 to $40,000 under the condition that Vaughn does not obtain more animals.
Vaughn remained silent walking out of the courtroom as television news crews asked her for comment after the hearing.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office says Vaughn's animals have been transported to shelters, rescues, and temporary homes across the state. All of Vaughn's surviving horses and llamas were taken to Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue in Jones, OK.
"It's clear that there's been a lot of neglect going on for a long time," said Natalee Cross, owner of Blaze's Tribute Equine Rescue.
Cross says the 63 horses and three llamas are at varying levels of starvation. She expects it will take between three and twelve months to restore their health.
With more than 150 animals being rehabilitated at the rescue operation, Cross says it will cost her facility about $12,000 a month to care for all the animals.
"You've got to add this on top of what we were already caring for, so we're going to be very strapped to take care of everybody," she said.
As volunteers prepare for the hug undertaking, Cross hopes Seminole County Officials will do what they can to keep animals away from Vaughn.
"I really hope that if nothing else, she's never allowed to own another animal again," said Cross.
REPEAT OFFENDER
Hanson says Vaughn was also arrested in another animal cruelty case in June 2010. She ordered by a court judge to surrender 60 dogs and pay $15,000 in veterinarian bills.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office is also investigating whether Vaughn's husband should also face charges in the most recent animal cruelty case.
(okcfox - April 13, 2013)
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