Case Details

Hoarding - 20 emaciated dogs seized
Avon, IN (US)

Date: Aug 19, 2005
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged:

  • Michele L. Hatcher - Convicted
  • Dennis A. Hatcher - Convicted

    Case Updates: 1 update(s) available
  • Case ID: 5846
    Classification: Hoarding
    Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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    The Hatchers face charges in Marion County. On Aug 19, a day after their arrest in Hendricks County, Indianapolis officials found 20 emaciated live dogs at the couple's home in the 8600 block of Spring Valley Lane.

    Each faces one felony and one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty in Marion County. Officials there are waiting to set a trial date pending outcome of the Hendricks County charges.

    Case Updates

    Michele L. Hatcher, 31 and her husband, Dennis A. Hatcher, 25 were arrested on charges stemming from the deaths of eight dogs at their Avon-area home. Hendricks County Animal Control officers had been called to the home to investigate reports of animal abuse and found eight dead dogs at the rented home. Inside the home, they found trash bags containing dead, malnourished dogs and a rotting dog carcass in the back yard. The Hatchers were charged with neglect of a dependent and animal cruelty. The neglect charge was filed because of the conditions in which the couple's school-aged daughter was living.


    A day after the dead dogs were discovered in Hendricks County, Indianapolis officials found 20 emaciated live dogs at the couple's home there.
    Michele Hatcher pleaded guilty in Hendricks County to one count each of neglect of a dependent and animal cruelty and was sentenced to one year of probation. Hendricks Superior Judge Karen Love also ordered her not to have animals in her home during probation and to take parenting classes.


    On Nov. 21, 2005, she pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to an animal in Marion County and was placed on probation for 678 days. In addition, Hatcher was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.
    Dennis Hatcher pleaded guilty in Hendricks County to one count of neglect of a dependent and two counts of neglect of animal and received one year probation. He also was ordered to undergo substance abuse evaluation, attend parenting classes and prohibited from having animals in his home. He has not been scheduled for a hearing in Marion County.
    Source: Indy Star - December 28, 2005
    Update posted on Dec 29, 2005 - 11:05PM 

    References

    WRTV - Aug 19, 2005
    WRTV - Aug 19, 2005
    WRTV - Aug 19, 2005
    FOX 19 - Aug 19, 2005
    IndyStar - Aug 19, 2005

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