MONROE - Forty-six dogs are under the care of the Green County Humane Society after they were seized by the Green County Sheriff's Department Wednesday. Four people have been charged with animal mistreatment.
The dogs, mostly Great Danes, were taken from a residence in the north 4600 block of County F, in the Town of Decatur, officials said, citing unhealthy living conditions.
Charged with misdemeanor mistreatment of animals are: Allyson Williams, 24; Melissa Harrel, 57; Kathy Williams, 54; and Donavan Williams, 45. The suspects were booked and released Wednesday, and given a court date of July 11.
"So far, (the dogs) are all eating and drinking," said Rachel Schardt, a GCHS spokesperson. "They all seem to be happy to move around."
But Schardt added that the dogs seemed slightly stressed from their ordeal. A veterinarian was examining the dogs Wednesday, she said.
Out of the 46 dogs recovered, 12 were Great Dane puppies, five were other adult dog breeds, and the rest were adult Great Danes, said Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud.
The environment in the home was unhealthy, not only for animals but for people, Skatrud said, adding that the dogs would relieve themselves inside the home.
"It was unsanitary," he said. "There was, we believe, very little, to any ventilation," Skatrud said.
Skatrud said that the animals stayed primarily indoors. Crates and corrals were found throughout the house. Two corrals containing puppies were found in the kitchen and living room, while some of the dogs were found outside on a deck and in an outside cage.
"There was a definite feeling that if (the dogs) were to stay in that environment, it would have led to more health issues," Skatrud said.
The action by police Wednesday came after the department received eight complaints, he said. Deputies investigated seven of those but were not allowed into the house or were shown only part of the home.
After receiving more information earlier this week, he said, they obtained a search warrant. A witness, who had been at the residence recently, came forward with information about living conditions for the dogs.
The animals were bred and sold by the four suspects, Skatrud said.
Providing food for Great Danes is a large undertaking, Schardt said.
"This is going to be a big project," she said. GCHS is accepting monetary donations to help provide care for the dogs.
Mistreatment of animals is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 9 months in jail.
The dogs, mostly Great Danes, were taken from a residence in the north 4600 block of County F, in the Town of Decatur, officials said, citing unhealthy living conditions.
Charged with misdemeanor mistreatment of animals are: Allyson Williams, 24; Melissa Harrel, 57; Kathy Williams, 54; and Donavan Williams, 45. The suspects were booked and released Wednesday, and given a court date of July 11.
"So far, (the dogs) are all eating and drinking," said Rachel Schardt, a GCHS spokesperson. "They all seem to be happy to move around."
But Schardt added that the dogs seemed slightly stressed from their ordeal. A veterinarian was examining the dogs Wednesday, she said.
Out of the 46 dogs recovered, 12 were Great Dane puppies, five were other adult dog breeds, and the rest were adult Great Danes, said Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud.
The environment in the home was unhealthy, not only for animals but for people, Skatrud said, adding that the dogs would relieve themselves inside the home.
"It was unsanitary," he said. "There was, we believe, very little, to any ventilation," Skatrud said.
Skatrud said that the animals stayed primarily indoors. Crates and corrals were found throughout the house. Two corrals containing puppies were found in the kitchen and living room, while some of the dogs were found outside on a deck and in an outside cage.
"There was a definite feeling that if (the dogs) were to stay in that environment, it would have led to more health issues," Skatrud said.
The action by police Wednesday came after the department received eight complaints, he said. Deputies investigated seven of those but were not allowed into the house or were shown only part of the home.
After receiving more information earlier this week, he said, they obtained a search warrant. A witness, who had been at the residence recently, came forward with information about living conditions for the dogs.
The animals were bred and sold by the four suspects, Skatrud said.
Providing food for Great Danes is a large undertaking, Schardt said.
"This is going to be a big project," she said. GCHS is accepting monetary donations to help provide care for the dogs.
Mistreatment of animals is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and up to 9 months in jail.