DARLINGTON — A Lafayette County woman was arrested earlier this week for animal neglect, according to Sheriff Reg Gill.
At 9:12 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 25, Detectives and Deputies from the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant at a location at 9482 CTH G, in the Town of Fayette, Lafayette County. The search warrant was part of an investigation into a report of animal neglect taking place at the location. During the execution of the search warrant, deputies, with the assistance of the Green County Humane Society seized 55 dogs of various breeds and one cat.
The occupant of the property responsible for the animals, Sharon M. Lambrecht, 74, was taken into custody at the property. Lambrecht was transported to the Lafayette County Jail and booked on charges of animal neglect.
The dogs at the property were in various degrees of neglect. According to Gill, the dogs were transported to the Green County Humane Society (GCHS) for evaluation by a veterinarian and for rehabilitation.
Upon arrival at the property, GCHS workers discovered two small trailers packed with 55 dogs, many confined to filthy, cramped cages. The conditions were ‘horrific’, the air thick with ammonia, and the sound of panicked barking echoed through the space, GCHS said in a press release late Tuesday.
Inside were 26 puppies, including one litter so new that their umbilical cords were still attached. Despite the trauma and neglect they endured, many of the dogs showed surprising resilience — frightened, but not completely mistrusting.
All animals were immediately transported to the Green County Humane
them into safe spaces with fresh bedding, food, and clean water.
“We are overwhelmed — emotionally and physically,” said Erin Emery, Executive Director of the Green County Humane Society. “But we are committed. These animals had no one else. We will do everything in our power to give them the care, treatment, and compassion they have been denied for so long. Now we need our community’s help to get through this.”
The rescue places tremendous strain on the shelter’s resources. Many of the dogs will require medical treatment, vaccines, medications, and round-the-clock care — especially the newborn puppies, several of whom will need supplemental feeding and monitoring.
The Green County Humane Society is urgently asking the community for support. Donations will directly fund medical care, emergency supplies, cleaning materials, puppy formula, food, and staffing needs as we navigate this massive intake.
Monetary donations can be made through our website at: greencountyhumane. org/donate or on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/share/14PiG4quSYm/.
Physical donations such as small breed dog food, puppy pads, bleach, laundry detergent, puppy food, highcalorie nutritional support, blankets, and gift cards are also welcome. Volunteers are desperately needed at this time as well. GCHS welcomes all of its volunteers to come and make a difference in the walls of the shelter if possible.
“This is one of the largest intakes we have ever experienced,” Emery said. “But every one of these 56 animals deserves a fresh start — and together, we can give them that.”
To learn more about supporting the rescue efforts, contact: Erin Emery, Green County Humane Society, 608-225-7780, eemery@greencountyhumane.org or acurtis@greencountyhumane.org, or go to greencountyhumane.org.
The Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Lafayette County Health Department, Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), Green County Humane Society and Center Hill Veterinary Service.
The investigation is ongoing. The matter will be referred to the Lafayette County District Attorney’s Office for evaluation of additional charges, Gill said.
This is the second time in less than six weeks that a Lafayette County home has been searched and animals seized for neglect. Green County Humane Society also assisted in the rehabilitation of 18 dogs back on October 17.
In that case, Jeslias Z. Murillo-Lopez, 37, was arrested at his home in the Town of Seymour. Murillo-Lopez faces 60 charges in total — 58 misdemeanor, two felony. His most recent day in court was Nov. 24 for a preliminary hearing. His next court appearance is set for 2:30 p.m. on January 21.
