LENOIR, N.C. — Caldwell County Animal Control and the ASPCA rescued more than 60 neglected dogs Thursday from a property in Lenoir, the ASPCA said.
The dogs were of various breeds, sizes and ages, including newborn puppies.
Authorities found them living in “substandard conditions” inside a shack that’s floor was covered in feces, urine, and mud.
Livestock and poultry were also found living among piles of trash. When the animals were fed, it was out of a trough, forcing them to compete for food, according to the ASPCA.
The dogs were removed Thursday and taken to Caldwell County Animal Control (CCAC), along with more dogs previously taken from the same property. At CCAC, they received medical exams before they were relocated to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control to be made available for adoption. Several of the dogs have already been adopted, the shelter told Channel 9.
[PHOTOS: More than 60 dogs rescued in Lenoir]
The owner of the animals, Lisa Marie Hendren Meatyard, was charged with felony cruelty to animals and allowing animals to live in crowded or unsanitary conditions, a misdemeanor, the ASPCA said.
On Tuesday, Meatyard agreed to a plea surrendering all of her animals, which included goats, a goose, ducks, cows, roosters, an iguana, and a rat, in addition to the dogs, to CCAC and 18 months’ probation, during which time she cannot own, possess, or control any animals, according to the ASPCA.
“It’s a complete victory for our animal control officers,” said Paige Counts, the public information officer for Caldwell County. “To see someone actually face charges, is a huge victory. We are grateful to the ASPCA and our local district attorneys office for walking us through that case.”
Last year, Meatyard was charged with five misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. She was convicted on those charges in October, but now part of her plea agreement includes never being able to own animals again.
“We have been working closely with the District Attorney’s Office and the ASPCA to bring this case to a close,” said CCAC manager Pam Culbreth. “While it was difficult to see the conditions these animals have been living in, it feels good to know they are going to places where they will be loved and properly cared for.”
“A primary focus for the ASPCA is to provide support for law enforcement, prosecutors, and animal welfare professionals nationwide to improve the lives of animals – especially those being abused or neglected,” said Leigh Anne Wilson, director of investigations for the ASPCA. “This case required significant collaboration across multiple animal welfare organizations, and we are pleased to be able to support Caldwell County Animal Control with the rescue of these animals and are grateful to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Control for giving them a second chance.”
The ASPCA deploys nationally to assist local authorities in animal cruelty and neglect cases including animal fighting, hoarding, and puppy mills. They also provide local communities with resources including grant funding and training to effectively assist animals during cruelty and disaster situations.
CCAC’s animal cruelty investigations team responds to complaints of animal cruelty and neglect. If community members witness suspected cruelty or neglect, they are asked to report the incident to CCAC by calling 828-757-8625. For more information about how to report an incident and what to look out for when you suspect animal cruelty in Caldwell County, visit their website.