Hoarding - 15 cats, 5 dogs, numerous kittens Crossville, TN (US) Incident Date: Tuesday, Mar 29, 2005 County: Cumberland Local Map: available Disposition: Alleged Alleged: Judith Ann Long

Case ID: 4274 Classification: Hoarding Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull) View more cases in TN (US) Login to Watch this Case

Officer Kevin Davis arrested Judith Ann Long, March 29 at 6:30 p.m. from her two bedroom trailer at 54 Rachel Drive in Crossville on charges of vandalism and allowing animals to run at large. Filth-littered rooms were found and 15 cats, 5 dogs and numerous kittens under her care were found in a state of neglect. "Many of her pets were found starving, and had physical problems caused by neglect and abuse, " said Emily Lee, director of the Humane Society.

Swarms of flies were present as officials entered the trailer occupied by Long. Neighbors complained as they felt their own health and well being jeopardized from odors surrounding the trailer.

"Her whole living room is a liter box," said Long's neighbor Rhonda Morlan.

Some of Long's dogs were found on Rachel Road about a week ago. This began to escalate after a dog was found bleeding in a neighbor's yard. The dog has not been confirmed and identified as one of Long's pets.

After Morlan's pit bull was bit on the neck while on a chain by two of Long's dogs, Morlan felt it was time to take legal action. "When I saw how the animals and Judy were living, I thought this is animal cruelty and that's why I called animal control. We do it for kids, why not do it for animals," said Morlan.

"I tried to be a good landlord and use leniency and then this happens to me," said landlord Gordon Goins.

Until recently, Goins stated Long always paid her rent on time but avoided allowing him to inspect the premises. Goins suspected the premises was in unsanitary conditions, but never in his mind did he picture what he discovered recently. "When I saw the condition of the trailer, my heart sank," said Goins.

A month ago, Goins told Long he was willing to renew Long's lease provided he did an inspection. On March 5, she informed Goins of an intention to vacate and he presented an eviction notice when she refused to allow him to inspect the trailer.

Initially, Goins permitted her to move in the trailer with two dogs. However, she sneaked in two other dogs and a large quantity of cats and kittens, he said.

Goins is frustrated because he can not enter the home or he could be considered trespassing. Goins has rented apartment complexes and other properties for many years and had problems with tenants occasionally, but never experienced anything to this magnitude.

"I thought she was a nice little old lady. She never called or complained, but she would never let me in to inspect. Now I know why," said Goins.

About a month ago, Long received assistance from the Humane Society to have her pets spayed and neutered. Long took her animals to Cindy Johnson, a veterinarian in Jamestown.

"My concern then was for the conditions the animals were living in and Judith's safety and welfare. What alerted me there might be a problem was many animals would ride in her vehicle moving about freely. I was concerned for her safety and the animals' safety," said Johnson.

Sonny Lewis, Cumberland County animal control warden, said, "It's unbelievable any human could live in a place like this, never mind animals. In all my years of working for animal control, I've never seen anything this bad."

"Our goal is to never allow this woman to own pets again," said Emily Lee, director of the Humane Society.

Long, 54 years of age, was released from jail March 31. She is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court April 11.

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