Investigators came to Marla Satterfield's home back in March on a report of a possible mill, so when they arrived, they went to her nearby shed where they found 24 dogs and 9 puppies living in horrible conditions.
When a Canadian County investigator searched 62-year-old Marla Satterfield's home on South Evans Road, he says it reeked of urine and feces and found large droppings next to dirty water bowls. A small dog had wire tied around its neck, and newborn puppies were left outside in 30 degree weather.
An El Reno Animal Control officer says: "A puppy was found caught in another dog's matted coat hanging by its head. The coat of the female dog had to be pulled apart to free the puppy."
Satterfield was arrested Tuesday on 33 counts of animal cruelty for each of her 33 dogs. But that's not all. Investigators found three dog carcasses at her home.
When an investigator asked Satterfield who grooms the dogs, she told them: "I groom the dogs when I can, but I haven't had the time lately. I haven't had time to give them clean water today."
Then the investigator showed Satterfield the dirty dog bowl full of algae, and she said: "I told you I can't do it all by myself!"
Satterfield has bailed out of jail. All the dogs have been taken to the El Reno Animal Shelter and are being cared for by local rescue groups.
Satterfield could face up to five years in prison and a $500 fine for each of her 33 animal cruelty counts. The dogs are in "foster homes" and some of have already been adopted.
Satterfield was arrested April 30th. Her bond was set at $49,500.00. She bonded out the next day.
Deputy Shawna Cornish, a former employee of the Oklahoma State Board of Commercial Pet Breeders, said the dogs were in as bad of condition as any she had ever seen.
"It was only a matter of time until all these animals would have been dead, as evidenced by the three decaying carcasses that were laying amongst the living."
(news9.com - May 3, 2013)
