Emily Chabra has resigned and her husband, Matthew, who works for the city’s division of Homeland Security, is on unpaid leave pending termination.
The investigation began after the staff at Indy Humane was approached by Emily Chabra, who allegedly told them she needed to offload some of her animals. She had been running a rescue group out of her home.
Christine Jeschke, director of operations for Indy Humane, said the two cats that were dropped off first were in poor health. In fact, one of the cats that was brought in by Emily Chabra, a senior animal care technician at the time, was euthanized.
“It had scratched itself bloody on numerous places on its body,” said Jeschke.
“They were in really bad medical shape, and there didn’t seem to be an awareness of their suffering so that was unusual.”
Indy Humane then contacted Indianapolis Animal Care and Control, which used a search warrant to enter the Chabras’ home. Court documents reveal there were piles of feces on the floor as well as urine and some of it was matted in the animals fur.
“We don’t always know what’s going on with our employees at home,” said Dan Shackle, Indianapolis animal Care and Control Chief.
One of the dogs that was living with the 22 other dogs and cats had nails that were three to four inches long and curled. The conditions of the animals and home were represented in more than 100 photos.
Animal control had been called to the home before in 2010 and in 2012.
The 23 animals were surrendered by Emily Chabra, but six of them were immediately euthanized because of their health or aggressive nature.
“We didn’t get an explanation, no. She was running a rescue at the time and was in the process of shutting it down.,” said Shackle.
“These animal are suffering. It’s not fair. They can’t speak for themselves, and they’re trusting us to be responsible,” said Jeschke.
Emily and Matthew Chabra could not be reached Friday. They are facing civil charges, and criminal charges are pending.
(fox59 - May 3, 2013)
