Neighbors said they had been complaining about the home for months.
“It smells like pure dog poop, urine, it just smells like a kennel,” said Angela Kelley, who lives across the street.
“When they started pulling up, taking out dogs, I was so happy,” Kelley said.
A total of 17 dogs and five cats were removed from the home. Officials said there was three inches of feces all over the floor and hair everywhere.
Officials said the animals appeared to be well fed, but were filthy and infested with fleas.
APPARENTLY THE SHELTER HAS BEEN HANDING ANIMALS TO PEOPLE WHO SAY THEY 'RESCUE' WITHOUT BOTHERING TO VERIFY
Diane Gilbertson, the owner of the home, has been charged with cruelty to animals.
Ellen Avel lives in the neighborhood. She described Gilbertson as an animal lover who was trying to do good but got in over her head.
“She loves animals so much and she’s a real good person,” Avel said. “Couldn’t say no to help people, that’s her problem.”
The animals are being taken care of at the Maury County Animal Shelter until Gilbertson goes to court on Oct. 5.
(WSMV - Sept 29, 2016)
