Animals found in hoarder's home getting a new start

NEW MEXICO -- Deputies responding to a death at a Curry County home ended up finding more than 100 animals crammed inside.  Investigators said they were living in deplorable conditions, and many of them had to be put down.

 

But KOB Eyewitness News 4 learned some of the animals are now getting a second chance.

Animal rescue volunteer Lori Knapp is fostering two dogs in her home.

"She just started eating Wednesday. She's been here since Thursday," Knapp said.

Knapp's home is much different from the one they came from. Shooke Unleashed Animal Rescue took disturbing pictures of the dog's former home.

Curry County deputies said they found 130 animals inside, 35 of them were cats.  All kept in these 10x10 kennels.  All of them had to be put down.  More than a dozen dogs were fenced in a small area.  There were also a variety of exotic animals ranging from goats to hermit crabs to snakes.

"I just heard the woman screaming actually, that was pretty loud from where we live," neighbor Terrance Joy said.

Joy said that's what they heard coming from the home where deputies were called out last week.

Investigators said along with the animals they found a woman dead inside.  Right now deputies said the case is an open and active investigation.

Meanwhile, the remaining animals have been placed with animal rescue groups, and eventually, new owners.

Photos from Shooke Unleashed Animal Rescue

"They didn't get the care they were supposed to get," Knapp said.

The Curry County Sheriff's Department is treating the woman's death as unattended at this point.  They have not said exactly how she died or whether foul play was involved.

(KOB - Aug 29 2013)