Humane society official cited - 20 cats and 20 dogs found in poor condition, 19 found dead Sweetwater, TN (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Sep 9, 2003 County: Monroe Local Map: available Disposition: Convicted Abuser/Suspect: Helen Sparling Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Case ID: 1730 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in TN (US) Suspect was in animal welfare field Login to Watch this Case

City officials say they had received numerous complaints about the number of animals, noise and smell coming from Mayes Avenue at Helen Sparling's home and two neighboring houses she has access to before showing up Tuesday morning to take action.

Sparling runs the Monroe County Humane Society and has been a source of controversy in recent weeks as other animal activists have complained about the number of animals and the conditions at the Humane Society shelter in Madisonville.

City Code Enforcement Officer Leslie Johnson, who also serves as the city�s health officer, said as of press time Tuesday at least 20 cats and 20 dogs had to be taken to Sweetwater�s animal pound.

According to Johnson, many animals were found in dirty sheds and cages in the yards.

Hall and Johnson also said the remains of at least 19 dead animals were found in plastic containers behind one of the homes.

Johnson said Sparling was cited for multiple code violations, including cruelty to animals and for violating the codes pertaining to noise, odor, and for failing to keep animal enclosures clean.

Sparling will now have to appear in City Court. Johnson said Sparling was not able to produce documentation showing that the animals had been vaccinated for rabies.

She said two vicious dogs would also have to be put to sleep.

City officials were seeking a court order to enter the homes as of Tuesday afternoon and were not sure what they would find inside.

Johnson said a veterinarian who was on hand said the conditions for the animals were the worst she had ever seen.

At least two animals had a severe case of mange and would be put to sleep, Johnson said.

The code officer said she has been documenting the poor conditions for weeks and found they had gotten worse instead of better.

She said many of the animals did not have access to food and water during the hot weather.

Sparling said she was outraged about the city�s decision to haul off the animals and said they are well taken care of.

�To have someone come on your property and do this, I think is wrong,� she said.

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References

	The Monroe County Advocate
	WATE-TV

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