Hoarding - nearly 100 animals discovered
Jack, AL (US)

Incident Date: Friday, Nov 21, 2008
County: Coffee

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:
» Gina Marie Walker
» Penelope Marsh Walker

Two women in north Coffee County were arrested last week and charged with alleged misdemeanor animal cruelty, according to arrest reports.

The Coffee County Sheriff's Department arrested 42-year-old Gina Marie Walker and her mother, 64-year-old Penelope Marsh Walker of Lakeland, Fla. Friday, after deputies discovered nearly 100 neglected animals in an unsanitary house on County Road 201 in the Jack community.

According to Chief Deputy Ronnie Whitworth, deputies went to serve an eviction notice and found dozens of dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and goats living in the house. Whitworth said the house was strewn with animal waste and the smell was nauseating. He said it was unclear if the creatures were malnourished, but they "definitely needed to be looked after."

Whitworth said animal cruelty cases are difficult to prove in court, but the arresting officer felt confident enough to obtain and serve the two warrants in the case. He said a non-profit animal recovery group had taken several of the animals, an Ozark veterinarian was looking at a few of them, and more were sent to Lil Tykes dog shelter in Daleville to be fostered. Coffee County Attorney Joe Cassady is also drafting a petition allowing a judge to seize the remainder of the animals.

References

• « AL State Animal Cruelty Map

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