Two kids, over 50 dogs rescued near West Memphis after welfare check

HUGHES, Ar.– Two children and dozens of small dogs were rescued from a residence in Hughes, Arkansas, Tuesday after they were found living in deplorable conditions, authorities say.

Two adults in the home were also taken into custody.

Martin Huerta-Miller, 61, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. Victoria Martinez, 37, was charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.

According to the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office , deputies were called to a home to do a welfare check on the children.

When deputies arrived, they found two children living in the house with at least 40 dogs and contacted the Department of Human Services.

The West Memphis Animal Shelter seized 51 dogs and said about 20 dogs are still on the property off Highway 147.

Photos from the animal shelter showed the home cluttered with what appeared to be dirt, animal feces, dust, huge spider webs, old furniture, and other belongings.

The animal shelter director said the dogs are covered in fleas, some have hair loss, and others likely have other health issues.

The shelter plans to rescue the rest of the dogs and said they will all need vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter, deworming, and microchipping.

This comes just a day after the shelter announced on Facebook they were “beyond critical capacity” and that they would have to euthanize if they did not move at least 15 to 20 dogs this week.

The West Memphis Animal Shelter is now housing the rescued dogs in its cat facility and is asking the community to donate food and puppy pads.

The shelter is also asking animal lovers to adopt or foster some of the dogs currently at the shelter to free up space. One animal group has agreed to cover all option fees.

The sheriff’s office has not released the ages of the children removed from the home. They are now in DHS custody.

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