Hoarding - 22 dogs seized
Charlotte, NC (US)Incident Date: Monday, Oct 24, 2005
County: Mecklenburg
Disposition: Not Charged
Person of Interest: Teresa Lucas
On Oct 24, animal control officers seized 22 dogs from the west Charlotte home of Teresa Lucas. Those dogs are at animal control here they are being evaluated. Officers said they were being cared for improperly. The owner strongly disagrees and said she will fight to get them back.
Lucas calls her dogs, all 22 of them, her babies.
"There were several that had hair loss, a lot of flea infestation and just looked to be in general poor health," said Thomas Adair with Animal Control.
Animal control claimed all 22 of the dogs were living in unsanitary conditions.
"I don't know who said that, but my babies were not in poor condition they were all healthy," said Lucas.
Five of the dogs lived in house, the rest in 15 dogs houses that were scattered all over the front yard. Officers said their shots were not current, but Lucas said that several deaths in the family delayed her.
Officers said that Lucas might be an animal hoarder, someone who can't stop taking in strays.
"It's hard to keep up with four or five dogs, much less in the 20's," Adair said.
"I just don't know if I will be able to make it without them, because that's all I live for," said Lucas.
Animal control is going to give her five of the dogs back. To get the others, Lucas must appeal the decision. If she does not succeed some of the dogs will be put up for adoption, the others will be euthanized. References |
