LaFayette couple arrested on aggravated animal cruelty charge after officers locate over 93 animals at house

According to the LaFayette Police Department and LaFayette Public Safety Director Stacey Meeks, On Monday, April 10th, 2023, Officers responded to 9 North Enloe Street in the city in reference to a report of dogs running at large and loose. When officers arrived on the scene, they observed a large number of cats and dogs and requested assistance from Walker County Animal Control. Officers spoke with the home’s occupants Christopher Richard Pell, 38, of LaFayette, and Catherine Marcus, 31, of LaFayette, who were both cooperative. A spokesperson for the family advised the homeowner’s intentions were to rescue the animals, as they did not like seeing them abandoned on the roads. The spokesperson stated that the animals then became too much for them. Walker County Animal Control officers removed a total of 83 cats and ten dogs from the address and took them to the Walker County Animal Shelter. LaFayette Police said the animals and homeowners were living in terrible conditions. Public Safety Director Stacey Meeks says what officers saw was extremely disturbing. Officers could see multiple animals living in animal feces, and at some point, they observed the skeletal remains of animals on the property. Reports stated that all animals were in healthy condition. Warrants were issued, and on Thursday, April 13th, 2023, both Christopher Richard Pell and Catherine Marcus were arrested. They were booked into the Walker County Jail on a charge of felony aggravated cruelty to animals. They were both released after posting a bond.

The Walker County Animal Shelter posted on Facebook: Animal Control and the Shelter Team assisted the City of LaFayette Police Department with a hoarding case that resulted in 93 animals being impounded. Out of the 93 animals, 83 are cats. Due to the health and temperament of the cats, as well as shelter capacity, we are requesting immediate rescue assistance at this time. We are also in need of immediate rescue assistance with the dogs that have come from this situation. Please contact the shelter via email at [email protected] if you can assist!

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