Nearly 200 animals seized from a Chatham County home in July are on their way to a dozen different shelters.
“Each organization that is getting animals will be evaluating their temperament and any ongoing medical issues, but certainly the vast majority is going to be adoptable,” says Debra Henzey, Chatham County’s Director of Community Relations.
Last month, the Sheriff’s Department, animal control officials and a coalition of nonprofits worked to rescue 131 cats, 23 dogs, 11 horses, 14 birds, eight goats, two cows, and one large pig from a home on Silk Hope Gum Spring Road in Pittsboro.
The animals were allegedly kept in unsanitary, overcrowded conditions. Henzey says many are still being treated for medical conditions.
“Just about all of the cats and dogs had to be spayed and neutered, and then there were an array of infections, skin issues, ear and eye infections,” says Henzey.
Shelters and rescue groups as far away as Virginia and Washington D.C. have offered to take in animals. That’s due in part to the wide variety of creatures involved, but also to avoid overwhelming any one shelter.
“We are a rural county and our shelter is not huge, by any means,” says Henzey. “This is a way of getting animals out to groups that specialize in particular types of animals.”
She notes that collaboration was made possible by the Humane Society of the U.S. Officials with the Humane Society say the Chatham County animal seizure is the largest the organization has handled in the nation so far this year.
At the local level, Henzey says about 30 cats will be housed at the Chatham County Animal Shelter.
“We truly would appreciate Chatham County and local residents coming to our shelter to adopt. We always have more incoming animals and the more that are adopted out, the more we can help other animals in need.”
The animals have been officially surrendered to the county, but no charges have been filed against the owner. The Sheriff’s Department is still investigating the case.
A list of Humane Society partners that have accepted some of the rescued animals for adoption include:
Related Stories
‹

After Group Rescue of 214 Dogs in Chatham County, Some Are Ready for AdoptionAfter Chatham County authorities seized more than 200 dogs as part of an animal cruelty investigation, some will soon be up for adoption.
![]()
Chatham Animal Seizure Breaks RecordsOfficials say the rescue of nearly 200 animals from an overcrowded home on Wednesday is the largest, and most complicated, in Chatham County history.
![]()
150 Animals Rescued From Chatham County HomeMore than 150 animals have been rescued from a property in Chatham County, in an operation that brought together officials from nearly a dozen public and private animal care facilities. Chatham County Animal Services led the rescue after receiving a tip that “more than 100 cats and dogs” were being kept in a single mobile […]

Chatham County Sheriff Identify 2 Dead Boaters From Jordan Lake, StormUPDATE: The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office said Friday the two recovered boaters are believed to be 25-year-old Daniel Garcia Garcia and 36-year-old Manuel Mauro Sifuentes Soto, who are both Durham residents. Positive identification by the state medical examiner’s office is still pending. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of these two young men,” said […]

On the Porch: Noah Smalls: A Peek Behind the Curtain of the Art WorldNoah Smalls is a curator, exhibition designer, gallery director, and consultant committed to advancing equity and social impact in the arts. He currently serves as Director of Exhibitions and Collections Management at the Williams College Museum of Art and as Gallery Director at Rush Arts in Philadelphia.

A Pittsboro Recording Studio is For Sale — But Don't Expect Its Goals to ChangeThe Manifold Recording studio and Chatham County property is for sale, and its owners are seeking a buyer with a similar vision to theirs.
![]()
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on the Disney Development, ABC Store OpensPittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 the Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, June 24, discussing town news and events. He talked about cooling centers being activated with the extreme temperatures this week. He also gave us the latest on Disney's Asteria development. He talked about the ribbon cutting at a new ABC Store in town, the master planning for a new park, and more.

Three New Projects Aim to Expand High-Speed Internet Access in Chatham CountyThree new high-speed internet projects are coming to Chatham County thanks to grant awards from NCDIT.

On the Porch: Melissa Driver Beard and Rebecca Hankins - Battling Food Insecurity in ChathamThis Week:
Melissa Driver Beard, CORA, Executive Director
Melissa has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, including 20 years in executive leadership. She has directed local, state, national, and international programs that advocate for basic human needs and rights. Under Melissa’s leadership, CORA has achieved over a 200% increase in income and an 88% rise in direct client services, demonstrating her ability to drive transformative growth. With a background in global advocacy, program development, and organizational capacity building, Melissa has championed solutions to food insecurity since 2009, fostering collaboration and sustainability.
Rebecca Hankins, CORA, Development and Communications Director
Rebecca brings more than 20 years of experience as a skilled fundraiser, communication strategist, and project manager. During her tenure at CORA, she spearheaded initiatives that increased fundraising revenue by 250% and expanded donor support by 50%. Rebecca is known for her creative approach to donor engagement, digital and traditional media strategies, and rebranding efforts that elevate CORA’s visibility. Her expertise lies in leveraging partnerships and technology to ensure program sustainability and community impact.

Body of Missing Fisherman Recovered on Friday, Says Chatham County Sheriff's OfficeAfter searching Thursday evening and early Friday morning, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office said first responders recovered the body of a drowned fisherman just south of Jordan Lake.
›
Comments on Chapelboro are moderated according to our Community Guidelines