Officials say the rescue of nearly 200 animals from an overcrowded home on Wednesday is the largest, and most complicated, in Chatham County history.

“The thing that’s so unique about this case is, first of all, the huge number of animals,” says Erica Geppi, director of the North Carolina branch of the Humane Society. “It’s not only the largest number [of animals seized] in the county, but also the largest number of animals for the Humane Society of the United States as an organization this year.”

Ashley Mauceri, Senior Manager of Animal Crimes for the HSUS, hoses off a pig during the Humane Society of the United States animal rescue in Pittsboro, N.C., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (Chris Keane/AP Images for The Humane Society)

Ashley Mauceri, Senior Manager of Animal Crimes for the HSUS, hoses off a pig during the Humane Society of the United States animal rescue in Pittsboro, N.C., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (Chris Keane/AP Images for The Humane Society)

The Sheriff’s Department, Chatham County Animal Services and a host of local and national animal welfare groups assisted in removing 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 website Zillow lists the property as being a 1,200-square-foot house on a 5-acre lot.

Geppi says the removal came after months of outreach to the owner.

“Animal Services in Chatham County has been working with the owner of this particular property for an extended time, but the point had really come where the animals appeared to be suffering, particularly due to unsanitary conditions and inadequate care.”

A horse watches rescuers during the Humane Society of the United States animal rescue in Pittsboro, N.C., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (Chris Keane/AP Images for The Humane Society)

A horse watches rescuers during the Humane Society of the United States animal rescue in Pittsboro, N.C., on Wednesday, July 15, 2015. (Chris Keane/AP Images for The Humane Society)

The animals are in the process of being evaluated by veterinarians. Geppi says many were found to be suffering from skin and eye problems as a result of the unsanitary conditions. Once the animals are nursed back to health, Geppi says she hopes many will be eligible for adoption.

“Our focus at this point is getting them back to health and getting them out of the shelter and into loving homes. Attention to the issue helps get it out there in the community and helps get word out so folks can engage in adopting them.”

It’s not yet clear if charges will be filed in the case.

Related Stories
‹
150 Animals Rescued From Chatham County Home
More 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 […]
After Group Rescue of 214 Dogs in Chatham County, Some Are Ready for Adoption
After Chatham County authorities seized more than 200 dogs as part of an animal cruelty investigation, some will soon be up for adoption.
Rescued Chatham Animals Released To Shelters To Await Adoption
Nearly 200 animals seized from a Chatham County home last month are on their way to a dozen different shelters.
Local Food Banks Seek Community Help With Dwindling Support for Federal Programs
Local nonprofit organizations battling food insecurity are struggling to sustain the increasing number of families who depend on them.
Orange County Sheriff's Office Brings Two Dozen Additional Charges Against Durham Man
Orange County authorities charged Durham's Keshaun Christopher Byrd over a November string of break-ins along Red Hill Lane and Seven Springs Road.
Chatham County Roundup: Commissioner Karen Howard
Chatham County Commissioner Karen Howard spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, January 6, discussing county news and events. She checked in after day one of the commissioners three-day budget retreat, sharing some procedural discussions for this iteration of the board. She also detailed some of the specific budget conversations, previewed the next couple of days discussions, and more.
Sheriff's Office Charges Florida Man After Burglary, Card Theft in Briar Chapel
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office announced several felony charges against a Florida man on Friday following an investigation into a larceny and fraudulent use of credit cards last week.
The Filing Period For 2026 Elections is Over. Who’s Running in Chatham County?
The filing period for races in North Carolina began on Monday. Here's who has declared intentions to run in Chatham County so far.
Chatham County Government Uniting Emergency Operations Department
The Chatham County government has consolidated two of its public safety functions into one unified department. Effective Monday, the county’s Emergency Communications and Emergency Management merged into the Emergency Operations Department. “This realignment strengthens coordination, streamlines operations, and supports a more integrated approach to preparedness, response, and recovery across Chatham County,” read a release from […]
Chatham County Sheriff's Office: Hostage Safe, Suspect Dead After Stand-Off Near Goldston
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office warned its deputies were responding to a hostage situation along Pittsboro Goldston Road around 5 p.m.
›