Hoarding - 51 animals seized
Mount Holly, NC (US)Incident Date: Friday, Jul 17, 2009
County: Gaston
Disposition: Alleged
Abuser names unreleased
Animal Control officers removed 51 pets, including 41 small dogs, from a woman's home Friday after ticketing her for animal cruelty.
Gaston County Animal Control cited a resident of Forest Drive, Mount Holly, for failing to have the pets vaccinated against rabies and failing to purchase animal licenses. She received a civil citation for cruelty to animals that carries a $250 penalty but is less severe than a criminal charge of animal cruelty.
The woman agreed to give up the 41 Yorkshire terriers and mixed-breed terriers, six cats and four puppies because she's in declining health and wasn't able to take care of them, said Animal Control Sgt. Larry Lingafelt.
Many of the animals had fleas, matted fur and skin conditions, which resulted in the citation for animal cruelty. None of the pets appeared malnourished.
"The subject was really cooperative," Lingafelt said. "These animals are not in that bad shape, it's just that they have some skin problems."
The rabies vaccination ticket was her third offense and carries a $1,000 fine, Lingafelt said. The citation for unlicensed animals was her second and will cost $100.
Lingafelt said the half-dozen cats and more than three-dozen dogs were taken to the Gaston County Animal Shelter. They are not available for public adoption, but can be adopted by animal rescue groups. One rescue group has already reserved 17 of the dogs.
"We offer them all up to any rescue organization that wants to get them," Lingafelt said. "We try to give everyone an opportunity to rescue any and all of these animals."
Individuals or families who want to adopt one of the pets could do so through a rescue group, Lingafelt explained. Those that are not rescued will be euthanized.
Animal Control received an anonymous complaint about the pets. They went to the woman's home to inspect the animals Friday afternoon.
"We always appreciate anyone who can give us a tip about a possible issue," Lingafelt said. "Any time we can get an anonymous tip, we will investigate it." References« NC State Animal Cruelty Map
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