Joshua Gray, 20, and Teresa Spaeth, 34, both of New London, were charged with two counts of felony mistreatment of animals causing death in Waupaca County Court on Wednesday after the discovery of two dead dogs on their property. The couple also was charged with five counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
According to the criminal complaint, deputies were alerted to the two dead dogs Aug. 20 after the abandoned house at N5751 Gurholt Road in the town of Scandinavia that the two rented was condemned by the Waupaca County Heath and Human Services Department. The house’s interior was covered in feces, flea-ridden and filled with garbage.
The two dogs, a beagle named Chase and a miniature dachshund named Cleo, were found in an advanced state of decay, according to the complaint, and a deputy described them as “mummified.”
Spaeth told deputies that the dogs had a rare condition and weren’t supposed to have lived as long as they did. The two moved from the house when their power was shut off in June, and Spaeth said they checked on the dogs about every three days.
Authorities also found a dead dog and several puppies in a freezer at the Scandinavia residence, and other dead dogs in other parts of the house. Deputies found the couple living in a camper at a home in New London, with more dogs.
Gray told deputies he was unable to bury the dead dogs because he had been in the hospital for several months, but planned on burying the dogs when he was able.
Gray and Spaeth were both released from custody on $2,000 signature bonds and were ordered to have no contact with animals.
Both could face up to 3½ years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 if convicted of the felony charges. They will appear in court for an adjourned initial appearance Sept. 26.
(Wisconsin Rapids Tribune - Sept 13, 2013)
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