Woman says she fled house where 73 dogs, 3 kids were rescued
CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Tenn. — A woman who once lived at the Arkansas home where 73 dogs and children were removed last week says she is relieved the kids and animals are now safe.
Three kids, over 50 dogs rescued in Crittenden County after welfare check
The 31-year-old, who did not want to be identified, said she was a family friend and was invited to live on the property in Hughes. She said she lived there for about a year but had to leave because the smells of urine and bleach inside the house were making her sick.
“I felt so weak. I could barely move and do anything,” she said. “I couldn’t shower because the plumbing didn’t work. I had to use a hose outside to clean up.”
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On May 14, Crittenden County deputies said they found three children, ages 2, 8, and 10, living in a feces-covered house on Earle Beck Road with dozens of small dogs.
Martin Huerta-Miller, 61, Victoria Martinez, 37, and W.L. Crump were charged with endangering the welfare of a minor and animal cruelty.
The woman said about two dozen dogs were on the property when she lived there. She said she didn’t see the children much because she usually stayed in her bedroom.
The woman said she suffers from a learning disability and was afraid to go to authorities. Last week, a neighbor asked the sheriff’s office to check on the children.
“Once I heard that, I was happy that all the animals were rescued and the kids were out of there because no kids should have to live like that,” she said.
She said that the family was breeding the dogs to sell at one time, but it turned into a hoarding situation.
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The children are now in the custody of the Department of Human Services, and the dogs are in the care of the West Memphis Animal Shelter.
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