LEXINGTON, Ind. — Officials say between 70 to 100 animals were removed from a home on State Road 356 on Tuesday.
Several agencies, including the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, Jefferson County, Ind. Animal Control and Scott County Animal Control arrived at the house around 8:30 a.m. and did not leave until about 3 p.m.
They took 55 dogs, as well as cats, pigs, goats, chickens and rabbits to be evaluated by the Animal Health Board during their initial visit Jan. 15. The animals were then placed in different shelters across the area.
“Very alarming. Most homes can barely handle ten people, never mind that many animals,” April Huttsell, a neighbor down the road, said.
Twelve of the dogs had below normal body condition, including seven dogs in thin body condition and five in very thin body condition.
Two of the dogs were considered to be in immediate jeopardy, described as malnourished and dehydrated. None of the 55 dogs had gotten any rabies shots or vet visits, which is a violation.
Dr. Katelyn Macy, the Indiana Board of Animal Health Field Veterinarian for District 9, said Gorrell "appears to demonstrate a pattern of disregard for the safety and wellbeing of these animals."
Vicki Gorrell, the woman who lives at the home, was arrested Feb. 4 and charged with two counts of neglect of an animal based on the dogs' conditions.
“She was probably trying to do the right thing, and probably felt like no one else is going to care for them so I should, but at one point, you just have to outweigh everything else and know enough is enough,” said Huttsell.
All animals will be evaluated by a State Vet and local veterinarian. Additional charges may follow from the ongoing investigation. Gorrell will appear in Jefferson County Superior Court on Feb. 5 at 1 p.m.
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