Ind. woman arrested after children found living in 'unkempt' home with dead rabbits, feces-covered dogs
07/10/2023 3:47 pm PDT
MITCHELL, Ind. (TCD) -- A 42-year-old woman faces child and animal neglect charges after deputies found children living in her home alongside multiple deceased animals last week.
On Thursday, July 6, an animal control deputy, Chad Hillenburg, responded to a home on the 1200 block of South Meridian Road to a report of animal neglect, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. At the scene, Hillenburg reportedly noticed deceased rabbits on the porch.
Hillenburg asked Amanda Chastain, who resides in the home, if he could investigate the property for other animals, and she gave him permission to do so.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Hillenburg found additional deceased rabbits. He also reportedly found dogs in feces-covered crates, as well as malnourished rabbits and a chinchilla.
The Sheriff’s Office noted the home was "unkempt" and in "poor condition for healthy, safe habitation."
Officer Kenton Carter assisted Hillenburg with the investigation and discovered two children living inside the home.
Officials arrested Chastain and booked her into the Lawrence County Jail on two counts of neglect of a dependent and 17 counts of animal neglect.
The Department of Child Services also responded to the home and placed the juveniles with family members.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the White River Humane Society was able to help move and find housing for the dogs. Two rabbits and the chinchilla were placed with foster families.
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