The charges against registered sex offender Stephen Joseph Spear and Linden Spear came as law-enforcement agencies and animal-protection officials descended on the shelter property on Fulford McMillan Road northwest of Raeford.
Peterkin said the Spears were initially charged with four counts of animal cruelty involving a dog, a cat, a horse and a bird, as well as the single count of drug possession, but he said more charges are expected.
At least 600 animals have been found so far at the 100-acre site, including about 300 dogs, about 250 cats, 40 horses and a small number of birds and pigs, according to Tim Rickey, vice president of field investigations and response for the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals.
He said some animals were being kept in small cages with floors littered with glass or covered with feces. Some appeared underfed.
ASPCA staff are examining the animals and treating those with injuries or illnesses. By late morning, Rickey said, 11 animals, mostly dogs, had been treated for open wounds, respiratory issues and parvovirus. He said it could take up to three days to assess all of the animals.
Peterkin called the situation "awful and very sad."
Rickey said the ASPCA had been investigating The Haven since late November after receiving complaints from people who'd seen Haven animals up for adoption and from people who'd adopted animals that then became sick from illnesses like parvovirus.
Personnel from the Hoke County Sheriff's Office and the ASPCA went to the property about 7:30 this morning to serve warrants on the Spears.
Veterinarians, including a veterinarian with the state Department of Agriculture, and personnel from other area animal shelters were on hand and a mobile animal hospital has been set up.
"We're trying to put an end to the unnecessary suffering," Rickey said.
(Faye Observer - Jan 27, 2016)
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