Case Snapshot
Case ID: 625
Classification: Hoarding
Animal: cat, dog (non pit-bull)
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Child or elder neglect
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Monday, Jan 27, 2003

County: Arapahoe

Disposition: Convicted
Case Images: 1 files available

Defendant/Suspect: Mary T. Flanagan

Case Updates: 2 update(s) available

Authorities removed a 13 year old mentally challenged girl from a Denver home overrun with trash, rotting animal feces and dead pets. The responding officer who has been doing this type of work for 28 years said it was one of the worst cases he's ever seen. The girl is in good condition after being taken to a local hospital.  Along with the girl the the police found 28 dogs and cats inside the house.  None appeared to have water or food. Ten of the animals, all confined to cages were dead and very decomposed.  Eighteen additional animals, 6 cats and 12 dogs were taken to a local shelter.  One of the dogs had to be euthanized. Four of the animals were well cared for and groomed, the otherwere in mixed condition with feces in their coats and emaciated.  Officers are confused why four were taken care of and not the rest. The home was filled with 5 foot stacks of trash and rescuers had to use masks to enter the house as the smell was so bad.  Mary T. Flanagan, 50 a registered nurse and the legal guardian of the little girl could face charges of neglect and animal cruelty. 


Case Updates

Flanagan, a registered nurse, will keep custody of the girl. But a judge last week ordered Flanagan to undergo counseling, agree to home inspections and not have pets. She pleaded guilty in May to misdemeanor charges of child abuse and animal cruelty. She also received a one-year deferred judgment on the child abuse charge. It will be dropped from her record if she obeys the terms of probation.

Read More: ABC News 7
Update posted on Jun 28, 2003 - 1:36PM 
Flanagan's sentencing was postponed until June 20
Update posted on Jun 10, 2003 - 12:47PM 

References

  • Rocky Mountain News, dated Jan 27, 2003, Article: Teen, 18 Pets Rescued by Cops
  • « CO State Animal Cruelty Map
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