Hoarding - 144 animals seized
Wolcott, NY (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, May 7, 2002
County: Wayne

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Wendy S. Bieling

Wendy Bieling, 46, of 11231 Woodruff Road is expected to be charged with cruelty after 144 animals were seized from her property on May 9, 2002.

Authorities found about half of the animals living in squalid conditions inside her home. The Wayne County District Attorney Richard Healy, "I anticipate animal cruelty charges." After the veterinary examination results are known a decision will be made about the animal cruelty charges.

The officials found many of the dogs, cats, rabbits and guinea pigs living in filthy conditions in the home. In some of the stacked cages, the urine and feces ran into the cages below. It appeared many of the animals were sick. Some dogs had their collars on so long the flesh had grown around the collar. Many dogs had missing hair and scabby skin.

The State Police had warned Healy about a year ago she had too many animals and needed to take better care of them. After a complaint from someone who visited Healy's home to purchase an animal, authorities got a warrant and inspected the home.

Bieling voluntarily gave up her animals. Authorities believe some of the animals will need to be euthanized.

The home has been condemned by local code enforcement officials after the raid because of the unsanitary conditions.

Animals seized from Healy's home were: 54 dogs, 15 cats and kittens, 26 guinea pigs, 10 parakeets, eight rabbits, two doves, three goats, seven lambs, five sheep, five hamsters, one rooster and eight geese.

References

• Rochester NY Democrat & Chronicle - May 11, 2002

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