19 dogs and cats seized from breeder
South Berwick, ME (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007
County: York
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Ann Odiorne
19 dogs and cats were seized from the home of a 64-year-old woman Wednesday. Police say the animals were living in "deplorable conditions," but this isn't the first time the woman has been in trouble with the law.
Ann Ordiorne has sold and bred puppies out of her home for more than 20-years. But some customers who came to her home to look at a litter of Yorkshire puppies didn't like what they saw, and contacted Eliot police.
"The floors themselves were covered in urine, there was feces throughout the house. But they all had food and fresh water. It's her living conditions, that is what we are concerned about, and we want to get her help, hopefully," said Eliot Animal Control Officer Christine Morse.
Armed with a warrant, police removed 17 dogs and two cats from Odiorne's home. All of the animals were healthy and are now being cared for at Creature Comforts Kennel in Kittery. Odiorne was charged with cruelty to animals.
Odiorne says she loves her animals, but a recent illness has kept her from cleaning her home. Authorities believe Ordiorne has a serious problem when it comes to pets. Six years ago, a large number of animals were removed from her home in South Berwick. Police say those animals were also living in unhealthy conditions.
A hearing will be held in ten days to determine if the animals will remain in the custody of authorities. If that happens, the dogs and cats will be put up for adoption in the future.
Odiorne plans to fight to get her animals back. She is due to be arraigned in York District Court on February 7th. References |
