Chatham Animal Seizure Breaks Records

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)

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)

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.

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