The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office seized dozens of dogs from a Bear Creek resident after executing a search warrant for animal cruelty charges on Thursday.

A release from the office on Sunday said 36-year-old Alicia Culberson faces ten counts of animal cruelty after authorities searched 1360 Oakley Church Road — a property that’s about a seven-minute drive southwest of Siler City. The sheriff’s office said its investigation began after a citizen filed a “concern about the animals’ well-being” and were told of “distressing sounds coming from a large number of dogs around the residence.”

1360 Oakley Church Road in Bear Creek, Chatham County. (Photo via Google Maps.)

In total, Chatham County Sheriff’s deputies seized 44 dogs from the property — six of which were found dead. Sunday’s release said the surviving animals were suffering from combinations of health issues, including dehydration, parasites, and malnutrition.

The animals are now receiving care from veterinary professionals at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Resource Center, according to the local authorities.

In its release, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office highlighted the Five Freedoms of animals that veterinarians and animal cruelty advocates recognize as the guiding principles for safety and health. Animals must have: access to fresh water and food, access to shelter, access to treatment, access to sufficient space, and conditions that do not cause mental stress or harm.

Culberson is scheduled for her first appearance on the animal cruelty charges in Chatham County’s district court on Wednesday, January 31.

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