Hoarding - almost 100 animals seized
Nelson, KY (US)Incident Date: Wednesday, Apr 23, 2008
County: Nelson
Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available
Alleged: Rosella Miller
Nelson County authorities arrested Rosella Miller and her husband James Lee for having 70 dogs, cats, rabbits and bird living in unbearable conditions.
Two days after being charged with animal cruelty, Rosella Miller says she and her husband were anything but cruel.
"They said we abused 'em… we loved our dogs," said Rosella Miller. "I know it don't look right, but we were doing the best we can."
Investigator's video shows feces on the kitchen floor, in the bedrooms, and pools of feces and urine in the basement. Neighbors complained to police about the smell and said Rosella Miller and her husband lived and slept in their truck in the driveway. Rosella says they were staying in the house.
"How were you living there?" asked WHAS 11 News Reporter Adrianna Hopkins.
"My husband and I lost our jobs. I ran out of bleach and every penny I had went to my dogs," she said.
Rosella says she took the animals in because she didn't want to see them hurt or abandoned.
Doctor Jeff Romer calls this a case of animal hoarding , when a person feels they're rescuing animals and quickly gets overwhelmed.
"The problem with hoarding or collecting is – how do you get rid of the animals or whatever it may be?" he explained. "Letting go of those animals is actually like losing part of her. This is what usually happens in hoarding – someone has to come out and intervene."
According to one group, up to a quarter of a million animals a year are victims of hoarding.
"Hoarders typically feel death is a fate worse than living in horrendous conditions and that's when things tend to spiral out of control," said Assistant Director of Community Relations of Metro Animal Services Jackie Gulbe.
Rosella says she's heartbroken over the more than 40 dogs Nelson County Animal Control had to put down.
"They're my babies. I loved them. I read the Bible to them," said Miller.
Rosella also says the house she shared with her husband and animals is in foreclosure. Technically, it's not hers. She says now, she's homeless.
The Nelson County Animal Control is considering putting some of the animals investigators found, up for adoption. If you're interested contact the shelter at 502-248-1865. References- WKYT - April 23, 2008
- WAVE - April 23, 2008
- WHAS - April 23, 2008
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