More Than 60 Neglected Dogs Rescued from Property in North Carolina
On February 17, we assisted Caldwell County Animal Control (CCAC) in rescuing more than 60 neglected dogs, as well as livestock and other animals, from a property in Lenoir, North Carolina. Dogs of varying breeds, sizes and ages, including newborn puppies, were found living on the property in substandard conditions. The dogs lived inside a shack where the floor was covered in feces, urine, and mud, while livestock and poultry were found living among piles of trash. When the animals were fed, it was out of a trough, forcing them to compete for food.
ASPCA subject matter experts were on the ground to provide sheltering, medical and placement support for the dogs, who were temporarily relocated to CCAC to receive immediate care and treatment. The dogs rescued from this case, along with additional dogs previously removed from the property, were later relocated to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control to be made available for adoption.
The owner of the animals was charged with felony cruelty to animals and allowing animals to live in crowded or unsanitary conditions, a misdemeanor. On Tuesday, she agreed to plea surrendering all of her animals, which included goats, a goose, ducks, cows, roosters, an iguana, and a rat, in addition to the dogs, to CCAC and 18 months’ probation, during which time she cannot own, possess, or control any animals. Last year, the defendant was charged with five misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. She was convicted on those charges in October and appealed the case. As part of her plea agreement on felony charges, she remanded her appeal of the October sentencing.
“We have been working closely with the District Attorney’s Office and the ASPCA to bring this case to a close,” said CCAC Manager Pam Culbreth. “While it was difficult to see the conditions these animals have been living in, it feels good to know they are going to places where they will be loved and properly cared for.”
“A primary focus for the ASPCA is to provide support for law enforcement, prosecutors, and animal welfare professionals nationwide to improve the lives of animals – especially those being abused or neglected,” said Leigh Anne Wilson, ASPCA Director of Investigations. “This case required significant collaboration across multiple animal welfare organizations, and we are pleased to be able to support Caldwell County Animal Control with the rescue of these animals and are grateful to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control for giving them a second chance.”
The ASPCA was able to provide a team of subject matter experts to assist with this case in part thanks to support from the Alex and Elisabeth Lewyt Charitable Trust.
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