Hoarding - 18 cats, 4 dogs seized, more found dead
Salem, NH (US)Incident Date: Friday, Feb 20, 2004
County: Rockingham
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Barbara Chisholm
A gas company worker checking services at a trailer on the property at 173 Millville St. discovered 2 dead dogs on a porch. When police and an animal control officer went to inspect the animals, they found a 3rd dead dog just inside the trailer. Upon further investigation, investigators and health officials discovered 6 dead cats. Another 18 cats and 4 dogs were found alive and were removed to the custody of the NHSPCA.
Chisholm turned herself into police on March 1st and is facing 36 counts of cruelty to animals.
Salem's health officer declared the residence uninhabitable.
The NHSPCA states many of the cats are suffering from feline leukemia, a highly contagious disease in cats, as well as flea and ear mites. The dogs appear to be in good condition.
Chisholm has relatives who live across the street. Police are uncertain why the elderly woman was living in unacceptable conditions. Police also determined that Chisholm understood the situation and just didn't provide the animals with adequate food and care permitting them to be subject to cruel, inhumane treatment and unnecessary suffering.
Chisholm was released on personal recognizance bail. All the charges are misdemeanors that carry a maximum fine of up to $2000 and 1 year in jail. References« NH State Animal Cruelty Map
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