Three kids, over 50 dogs rescued in Crittenden County after welfare check

UPDATE: Initially, the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Department said there were two children taken from the home. They provided an update, saying three children were taken.

The sheriff’s office also said Wednesday that a third suspect, W.L. Crump, had been charged in the case.

The story has been updated to reflect the new information.

CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark.– Three children and dozens of small dogs were rescued from a residence near Hughes, Arkansas, on Tuesday after they were found living in deplorable conditions, authorities say.

Three adults in the home were also taken into custody.

Martin Huerta-Miller, 61, Victoria Martinez, 37, and W.L. Crump were charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and animal cruelty, the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office said.

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According to the Crittenden County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home on Earle Beck Road to do a welfare check on the children.

When deputies arrived, they found three children, ages 2. 8, and 10, living in the house with around 70 “small unhealthy dogs” with an abundance of debris and animal waste in the home, the sheriff’s office said.

Deputies contacted the Department of Human Services, which took the three children into custody.

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The West Memphis Animal Shelter seized 51 dogs and said about 20 dogs are still on the property off Highway 147.

Photos from the animal shelter showed the home cluttered with what appeared to be dirt, animal feces, dust, huge spider webs, old furniture, and other belongings.

The animal shelter director said the dogs are covered in fleas, some have hair loss, and others likely have other health issues.

The shelter plans to rescue the rest of the dogs and said they will all need vaccinations, heartworm testing, spay/neuter, deworming, and microchipping.

This comes just a day after the shelter announced on Facebook they were “beyond critical capacity” and that they would have to euthanize if they did not move at least 15 to 20 dogs this week.

The West Memphis Animal Shelter is now housing the rescued dogs in its cat facility and is asking the community to donate food and puppy pads.

The shelter is also asking animal lovers to adopt or foster some of the dogs currently at the shelter to free up space. One animal group has agreed to cover all option fees.

The sheriff’s office has not released the ages of the children removed from the home. They are now in DHS custody.

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