The Tunica Humane Society says it is organizing a team of volunteers that can provide basic care to the animals who were removed from the shelter.
The operation will be led by Helena West Helena Police Department, and is joined by the Phillips County Sheriff’s Department, municipal animal control, the state environmental enforcement officer for the city, as well as others who are assisting with care and assessment of the animal population. “In a joint county and city law enforcement operation, and after an extensive investigation that includes other eyewitness documentation and testimony, we are moving to protect the health and safety of these animals, as well as those people who work here and are exposed to extreme levels of health and environmental risks.” Smith said this morning. Discover the latest stories and breaking news in your area. Smith said his first goal is to rescue the animals, following with cleaning the facility and rebuilding it to healthy and satisfactory conditions. Dont miss out on the latest Arkansas Local News and headlines at NewsKudo. The Humane Society of the Delta had not released a statement Thursday morning, but the group’s Facebook page had been recently updated. Police also removed a child from the address, living in was described as “filth” and notified the Department of Human Services.ġ00+ cats recovered in what may be largest animal hoarding case in Arkansas history Shelter Director Reta Merritt Roberts was arrested at this mobile home located on the shelter property and charged with Class D felony for cruelty to animals. Just a horrendous crime scene at this location,” he said. “There were several animals that had injuries, lacerations to their bodies. Helena-West Helena Police Chief James Smith says what he’s seen at the Humane Society of the Delta is hard to comprehend. “A shelter that was once a champion for animal welfare, and fought hard against animal cruelty and inhumane treatment, has since developed into a place of animal hoarding, maltreatment and worse,” Smith said. Smith said the shelter was once something that stood out against the cruelty that was witnessed in recent weeks and months. The witnesses also reportedly told officers that several of the dogs they helped relocate suffered from heartworms and other parasites. Wednesday, the police department reportedly took statements from two volunteers who claimed to have witnessed mistreatment, neglect and abuse of the animals. Officials say officers also saw dogs in wire fence kennels and smelled “an overwhelming smell of feces and ammonia” in the warehouse. While there, officers reportedly saw trashcans overflowing with garbage, as well as piles of garbage and debris scattered throughout the property. Officials say Helena-West Helena Police officers and employees with the Helena-West Helena Water Department went to the shelter Tuesday regarding an outstanding water account of more than $29,000. Mayor Kevin Smith has executed search and seize warrants on a local animal shelter after reports of animal cruelty.