MONTGOMERY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects after dozens of animals were found in deplorable conditions.
On Tuesday, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kansas Department of Agriculture served a search warrant on a residence in rural Coffeyville, Kansas for alleged animal cruelty, according to Sheriff Ron Wade.
The Sheriff’s Office and the KDA developed probable cause that many animals on the property and inside the residence were malnourished and being housed in very disturbing conditions.
During the search warrant, detectives located and seized over 70 animals from the property including dogs, cats, birds, snakes, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and a lizard as well as deceased animals.
None of the animals had access to food or clean water and they were living in their own fecal matter.
Detectives had a local veterinarian respond to the scene to evaluate the animals. The animals were removed from the scene and are being housed at appropriate shelters until further notice.
Detectives arrested 29-year-old Heather Hall and 33-year-old Rafael Luna-Dezonne both of rural Coffeyville, Kansas. They are being held on requested charges of cruelty to animals: failure to provide food/water/shelter and cruelty to animals: Knowingly kill or injure animals.
This case will be sent to the Montgomery County Attorney’s Office for review and proper charging, according to Wade.