- Indiana, USA -
On July 2, 2024, the Owen County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the possible neglect of a horse at a residence in the 3700 block of Truesdel Road in Gosport.
The deputy who responded to the residence reported that most of the animals on the property had no food or water.
The sheriff’s office then reached out to the Owen County Humane Society for assistance regarding the rescue of nearly 350 animals from the residence.
According to court documents, the poor animals showed signs of neglect, abandonment, and emaciation.
A dog who was found tied to a tree displayed several signs of neglect. Another dog who appeared “timid and scared” was found next to a pig pin and did not have any food or water. Inside the pig pin officials found seven different animal skulls and two animal carcasses.
Many chickens appeared to be missing feathers and displaying wounds on their feet.
Officials also discovered two horses whose ribs were visible through their coats.
A helpless duck that was found caught in a fence, a baby goat was found covered in feces, a goat carcass was discovered under an RV inside fencing along the property, and a dead rabbit was also found inside one of the crates housing chickens and rabbits.
In a Facebook post, the Owen County Humane Society said that they arrived at the scene on the afternoon of July 8, 2024, “to find most animals without food or water and many deceased animals in cages.”
The agency removed the first 243 animals with the assistance of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. Then the Humane Society returned to the property on July 18, 2024, to remove the remaining 105 animals totaling 348 innocent souls!
Among the rescued animals were 2 bearded dragons, 10 cats and kittens (one cat had six kittens shortly after being rescued), 225 chickens, 2 cows, 17 dogs and puppies, 29 ducks, 25 goats, 4 horses, 4 pigs, 9 rabbits, and 21 sheep.
In connection with this case, the Owen County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36-year-old AMANDA JANE SIMPSON and 31-year-old CODY MICHAEL WOOD (both pictured).
WOOD has been preliminarily charged with cruelty to an animal, a misdemeanor charge, and SIMPSON has been charged with cruelty to an animal and failure to properly dispose of a dead animal, which is a level 6 felony.
Court records show that WOOD was released on July 10, 2024, after posting $5,000 bond while SIMPSON was able to post her $7,500 bond on July 30, 2024.
The duo are scheduled to appear in a jury trial in Owen Circuit Court on January 21, 2025.
The Owen County Humane Society expressed gratitude toward its rescue partners who are assisting with this tremendous influx. The organization is facing an unimaginable hardship and needs donations. If you wish and can afford to help out, please click here. Thank you!
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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is also sourced from FOX 59. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.
In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.
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