GOSPORT, Ind. — Two people are charged with cruelty to animals after 348 animals were seized from a home in Gosport in Owen County.
Cody Woods and Amanda Simpson are both charged. Simpson is also charged with failure to properly dispose of a dead animal.
The Owen County Human Society took in or helped find shelter for:
- 17 dogs and puppies
- 29 ducks
- 225 chickens
- 21 sheep
- 9 rabbits
- 25 goats
- 4 horses
- 4 pigs
- 2 cows
- 2 bearded dragon lizards
- 10 cats and kittens (including a pregnant cat that gave birth shortly after being taken)
- Many other animals were died before they could be rescued
According to court documents, the Owen County Sheriff's Office was called about possible neglect of a horse at the home.
When a deputy arrived, he reported most of the animals had no food or water. When he returned with a search warrant, some water had been placed with some of the animals.
The veterinarian with them found many dead animals in cages or otherwise on the property.
"The number one cause of animal neglect is silence," said Becky Brown, president of the Owen County Humane Society. "Plenty of people are willing to give you help before it gets too bad."
The animals were rescued with the help of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health. Officials said 243 animals were taken on July 8, and another 105 were taken on July 18.
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The Owen County Humane Society is run solely off of donations and was overwhelmed. Thankfully, a network of other shelters has stepped in to help.
Oinkin' Acres in Brownsburg has taken in the goats (though two died while getting treated at Purdue). A Critter's Chance in Plainfield has also helped. Winking Reptile Rescue, Compass Rose Farm in Spencer and Jenkins Forever Farm in Edinburgh also lent assistance.
Still, the costs are huge. They estimate the cost of supplies and existing bills for the animals will total at least $25,000. You can donate to help on their website.
In the meantime, Brown is urging people to speak up if they believe animals are in danger.
"This had been on everybody's radar," Brown said. Getting the animals help "just took the right call to the right officer at the right time."
Gosport is approximately 50 miles southwest of downtown Indianapolis.