Russell Goodwell, 50, was living in a room in the Eden home where more than 70 animals were relinquished to humane workers in February. Goodell was the caretaker for two dogs named "Peanut" and "Reba." He plead no contest to two animal cruelty charges.
The dogs, cats and duck found inside the home were living in boxes and cages, according to humane workers. The animals were found underfed and dehydrated.
Goodell surrendered the two dogs that lived in his room to rescue workers during the massive rescue.
"He understands now the level of care the dogs received was not up to what society would believe it should be," said Mark Keller, Goodell's lawyer.
As part of the plea agreement Goodell will serve five years probation with a suspended sentence of up to one year in jail. During his probation period, he is not allowed to own or live in a home with animals. A town humane officer will make unannounced visits to make sure he complies.
The police affidavit lists 10 dogs that were in particularly bad shape. Here are some of the dozens of health conditions described in the affidavit, all of which include filth and feces:
Destiny, a 7-year-old boxer mix, was emaciated, covered with open wounds, and was vomiting feces. Her digestive system was “overwhelmed” by parasites.
Jack, a German shorthair mix of unknown age, had a scar on his side, a badly overgrown nail and his muscles were wasting away.
Jaxon, a 3-year-old pit bull mix, had similar conditions, and lots of tartar on his teeth.
Mia, a 5-year-old boxer mix, had a bloody tail, ulcers on her hip bones, and swollen pads on her feet.Brutus, a 2-year-old pit bull mix, was badly dehydrated, and had mange and pressure sores on his hocks.
Murphy, a 2-year-old pit bull mix, had a weepy eye, mange, dermatitis and a lesion on the tip of his tail.
Angie, a 5-year-old terrier mix, had overgrown nails, was extremely dirty and was covered with feces and soaked with urine.
Buddy, a Pekingese between 5 and 7 years old, was difficult to examine because of the amount of “matting” of excrement and dirt, but had a raft of problems with his eyes, and toenails that were so badly ingrown only two of them could initially be removed.
Roscoe, a dachshund mix of unknown age, had weepy eyes and tapeworms.
"Having witnessed the kind of misery these animals were living in I think personally I would prefer someone who kept animals like this never own another animal ever," said Deborah Loring, Spring Hill Horse Rescue.
The other suspect in the case is Carol Merchant. She was the primary owner of the majority of the animals. She plead not guilty to felony charges earlier this year.
Lamoille County State's Attorney Paul Finnerty called the entire ordeal horrible. In court, he voiced his hope that Goodell will think twice if he ever owns a pet again.
"The state's hope is that by admitting responsibility and participating in the reparative board, that Mr. Goodell will gain some insight into the seriousness of the charges and the community will be made whole," Finnerty said.
Merchant is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 7.
(WPTZ - Oct 2, 2015)
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