CALDWELL COUNTY, N.C. — Authorities in Caldwell County have removed 80 animals from two homes in Lenoir.
Last week, the county Animal Care Enforcement (ACE) Division said they received an anonymous tip about an alleged animal hoarding situation.
Officials got a warrant and searched two homes belonging to two people. They said the owners had already started moving animals from one home to the other at the time of the search warrant, but that all the animals initially lived in one home.
Officials determined that several of the animals needed medical attention, and the two owners were charged with two counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.
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The owners ended up surrendering all of their animals, including 49 rabbits, seven cats and 24 dogs -- a total of 80 animals.
“Now that the animals are in our care, our job is to ensure they receive proper veterinary care and work with rescue groups to find suitable placement for these animals. We hope to have some of these animals available for adoption within the next week,” said ACE Division Director Richard Gilliland.
No other details have been released, but people can click here for more information on animals available for adoption in the county.
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