Eight dogs were found abandoned in Louisville, Kentucky, in a house full of feces.
The woman, 52-year-old Vallary Amato, was arrested after the cubs were discovered living among the trash, which was piled “several feet high,” according to court records obtained by local CBS affiliate WLKY.
According to the Louisville outlet, the home belonged to Amato’s son and his boyfriend, and Amato was supposed to care for the dogs, but only stopped by once a week to feed them.
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Both the pets and the house appeared to have been abandoned for months, neighbors told the outlet. Neighbors also said that a stench was coming from the house, and dogs could be heard barking inside, reports WLKY.
After concerns grew, neighbors reported the situation to Louisville Metro Animal Services, and the shelter sent animal control officers to the residence several times, but no one appeared to be home, judging by the outlet.
Then, in November, one of the owners agreed to have shelter employees remove the dogs from the home.
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Vallary Amato.
WLKY
The seven canines were discovered living together in one room, “which was covered in feces several feet high,” according to court records obtained by WLKY.
The records also stated that “a large hole was made in the wall,” “feces and filth covered the window sills and ceiling,” and “feces were also found throughout the residence.”
The documents also stated that the dogs had not been socialized, according to WLKY.
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Amato was charged Friday morning with eight counts of animal cruelty and one violation of a Metro Louisville ordinance, according to WLKY.
The judge ordered Amat, who is due back in court on January 8, not to have any contact with animals, the paper said.
It is unclear if the couple who own the home will also face charges.
The dogs were removed from the home, cleaned and placed with foster families, a Louisville Metro Animal Services representative confirmed to WLKY.
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