- Kentucky, USA -
On Monday, November 20, 2023, the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office arrested 28-years-old JESSICA RENAE WAGNER (pictured).
Many of you may remember her name from another animal cruelty case which Voice For Us reported on in August 2023.
In that case, which is still pending, WAGNER, along with 46-years-old AMY MARIE SMITH (also pictured), and 55-years-old KEVIN EUGENE SMITH, all associated with Always Faithful Animal Rescue, were charged in July 2023 with ninety-one (91) counts of second-degree cruelty to animals among other licensing and failure to vaccinate charges.
In relation to the recent arrest, WAGNER is facing forty-six (46) counts of complicity to commit animal cruelty.
On November 13, 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at a property on Harris School Road in Rineyville which was leased to the nonprofit Always Faithful Animal Rescue.
Officials found forty-five (45) dogs in cages without food and water. The cages were filled with urine and feces. Sadly, officials also found a deceased dog whose body was covered by a plastic child’s pool.
Hardin County Animal Care and Control removed the live dogs and Director Mike McNutt explained to The News-Enterprise: “These animals have been surrendered over to the shelter, and we are in the process of returning these pets back to their original facilities and locations.”
Seven of the forty-five dogs were identified by chip numbers to match dogs from the July case.
At this point it’s not clear whether AMY MARIE SMITH and KEVIN EUGENE SMITH are also involved in this case.
WAGNER was booked into the Hardin County Detention Center and released after posting a $5,000 bond.
McNutt said that the shelter is in need of dog food and puppy food as well as monetary donations. If you wish and can afford to help out, please click here. Thank you!
Authorities did not disclose the name of the deceased furbaby, so I took the liberty of naming him/her Evian for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.
Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from official news outlets. Links included.
Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
WAGNER’s mugshot shared from the Hardin County Detention Center.
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