A Frostproof, Florida, woman was arrested on animal cruelty and neglect charges after police confiscated 164 birds, 142 cats and three dogs from her property, adding that ammonia levels inside the home were “lethal.”
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that a deputy was sent to the home on Dec. 21 to conduct a welfare check on a 75-year-old woman who was reportedly living in a possible “living situation.” hoarding” with cats inside the house. home.
When the officer arrived, he met Lisa Lacharite, 48, in the front yard of the home, where the officer told him he was there to conduct a welfare check on the older woman, who turned out to be Lacharite’s mother.
Lacharite allegedly told the officer that she was her mother’s caregiver, adding that she had health problems.
Lacharite asked the officer to wait outside while she went inside to look for her mother.
While the officer waited, he noticed a strong odor of ammonia outside.
When Lacharite returned 15 minutes later, he told the officer he could come in and check on his mother.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said a deputy was sent to the home on Dec. 21 to conduct a welfare check on a 75-year-old woman who was reportedly living in a possible “hoarding situation” with cats inside. of the house. Florida Polk County Sheriff’s Office
The officer first entered an enclosed porch where he saw several wire cages holding about 75 chickens, peacocks and ducks, some of which appeared to be malnourished and sick, authorities said.
When the officer entered the home, the smell of ammonia became overwhelming and he reported seeing 50 cats running through the home, climbing on furniture and sitting on kitchen counters.
Lacharite told the deputy that he rescues cats and cares for chickens and birds.
Additional officers and emergency crews responded to the scene.
The officer first entered an enclosed porch where he saw several wire cages holding about 75 chickens, peacocks and ducks, some of which appeared to be malnourished and sick, authorities said. Florida Polk County Sheriff’s Office
While there, members of Polk County Fire and Rescue collected air samples to test for the presence of ammonia, which reportedly measured between 70 and 100 parts per million (ppm).
Staff warned that anything above 50 ppm was dangerous and possibly lethal to human and animal health.
Lacharite’s mother was removed from the home to avoid further exposure to the conditions.
Lacharite was arrested on five counts of animal cruelty, 304 counts of animal neglect and one count of elder neglect, and was transported to the Polk County Jail.
While there, members of Polk County Fire and Rescue collected air samples to test for the presence of ammonia, which reportedly measured between 70 and 100 parts per million. Florida Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Lacharite allegedly admitted to officers that she knew the conditions at the residence were not good for humans or animals, adding that she was “overwhelmed” by the number of animals in the home and that it had become too much to handle.
All animals are expected to be evaluated by veterinarians before efforts are made to help them find new homes.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn