By MELODIE PHELPS News Editor
CNHI
9-25-13 — A Wayne County woman has been charged with cruelty to animals second degree, after local authorities and Animal Rescue Corps executed a search warrant at a residence on Whiteway Inn Road on Thursday, September 19. Officials said that a total of 122 animals, the majority of those dogs, were rescued from the residence.
The Wayne County Sheriff's Department reported that cats and birds were also rescued from the residence. Clara Preat, 61, was arrested on a warrant for cruelty to animals second degree.
Animal Rescue Corps, headquartered in Washington, D.C., brought numerous volunteers and veterinarians to the residence on Thursday to head up the effort. They reported that the animals were living in neglectful conditions at the home.
A variety of small breed dogs, including newborn litters, were found crowded into small, dilapidated outdoor wire and wood hutches and pens encrusted with urine and excessive piles of feces, according to reports from Animal Rescue Corps.
The dogs, the majority of whom were underweight, were suffering from severe eye infections, significant fur loss and matting, urine-soaked fur and extreme internal and external parasites, such as fleas.
Rescuers also stated that the parrots were living in similar conditions, with their cages and food bowls also covered in feces. All animals lacked adequate living conditions, socialization and veterinary care.
"Animals have been suffering from various untreated illnesses on this horrendous property for more than a decade. The conditions were very typical of a puppy mill," said Animal Rescue Corps President Scotlund Haisley. "A lot of suffering ended here today and I commend Wayne County Animal Control, Sheriff's Office, and County Attorney for acting quickly and working with Animal Rescue Corps to shut this place down."
This case began when Animal Rescue Corps received a tip concerning the alleged abuse of the dogs. Documentation brought by Animal Rescue Corps to Wayne County Animal Control revealed several violations of county and state cruelty codes.
"Wayne County takes allegations of animal cruelty very seriously," said Wayne County Sheriff Charles Boston. "These animals needed our help immediately so we didn't hesitate to accept the assistance of Animal Rescue Corps and take action."
All animals were removed from the property and transported them to an emergency shelter set up for this rescue, dubbed Operation Unbridled Spirit, in Lebanon, Tenn. about 40 minutes east of Nashville. Each animal received a thorough veterinary exam, appropriate vaccinations, and any necessary medical treatment.
Animal Rescue Corps will provide daily care until the court determines custody of the animals. If the animals are awarded to Animal Rescue Corps, they will be placed with shelter and rescue organizations that will ultimately adopt them into loving homes.