North Carolina: After FIVE YEARS of complaints, five dogs seized from home of local animal advocate Barbara Hart

NORTH CAROLINA -- Five dogs were seized from a home at 908 Lincolnton Road in Salisbury Wednesday afternoon.  Witnesses told WBTV that the dogs were living in "deplorable" conditions.

The home belongs to Barbara Hart, a well-known animal advocate in Rowan County known for her involvement with the Rowan County Animal Shelter.  Hart was instrumental in securing the donations that made it possible for the shelter to recently build a new cat wing.

The seizure of the dogs from Hart's home came as the result of five years worth of complaints by neighbors, a source told WBTV.  

WBTV had a crew on scene Wednesday who saw Rowan County Animal Control officers, deputies from the Rowan Sheriff's Office, City of Salisbury Code Enforcement and the Salisbury Fire Department all at the home in the 900 block of Lincolnton Road.

The dogs had been staying in the feces covered backyard with little water to drink, witnesses told WBTV.

“They was out all the time and I said it would be nice sometime if they was inside,” a neighbor who asked not to be identified told WBTV.

The neighbor said he feels bad for the dogs and their owner. He hopes the animals get the help they need.

"I just hope the best for them. I hope they get treated. I hope they get adopted and I hope they get back on their feet again," said the neighbor.

Neighbor Thelma Stone didn't mince words and said the stench coming towards her house from Barbara Hart's house sickened her.

"[The stench is] Reminiscent of emptying a full bedpan in hot weather when there was no air conditioning," Stone said. "It was like being hit in the face."

There is no word on if any charges will be filed in the case.

Update: Barbara Hart has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty. 

 

(WBTV - May 11, 2017)