Owners charged after 45 live animals and 4 dead animals were removed from a North Carolina home

Another ‘house of horrors’ was uncovered in North Carolina on May 15, leading to the discovery of dead and dying animals. A total of 45 live animals were seized from the property.

According to a press release, Onslow County Animals Services received an anonymous call on May 13 of possible animal cruelty at 128 Forbes Estate Dr. in Jacksonville. The person who called met with officers at the property, where it was learned there were dozens of animals inside the home.

Damien Irvin, 21, of Shelby and wife Samantha Wesche, 19, of Phoenix, Arizona had been out of town since May 6 and each faces two felony counts of cruelty to animals and 45 counts of mistreatment of animals, which is considered a misdemeanor in North Carolina.

When officers entered the home they found one deceased dog and another dog suffering from convulsions who had to be euthanized at the scene. A total of 31 dogs (2 deceased), 13 cats/kittens (2 deceased) and a pig were removed from the 1,175 square-foot property. The deceased kittens were found in a freezer.

Irvin and Wesche were married on Dec. 27, 2016, in Onslow County, according to the Onslow County Register of Deeds. They’re originally from Phoenix, Arizona. The home was build in 2010 and is owned by a Williamsburg, Virginia couple.

Onslow County Animal Services Director Howard Martin stated in an interview with WCTI12 News

“The residence did not have a properly functioning air conditioner at the time entry was made. Our officers found all animals, including the pig, in pet crate without proper food and water supplies. Several of the cats’ crates were found inside a bathroom and closets.”

The couple has since bonded out on $5,000 each and additional charges are pending. The animals are in the care of Onslow County Animal Services. They’re not healthy enough for adoption at this time.

Elisa

6 thoughts on “Owners charged after 45 live animals and 4 dead animals were removed from a North Carolina home”

  1. The author of the best comment will receive an Amazon gift of their choice at Christmas! Please comment as they can add to the article and pass on your valuable experience.
  2. I AM SO SICK OF HEARING ABOUT THESE TYPES OF THINGS…BUT ESPECIALLY IN MY STATE OF NC!!! WE HAVE A BAD REPUTATION FOR “ALLOWING” THIS TO CONTINUE, WITHOUT APPROPRIATE PENALTIES!!! A SLAP ON THE WRIST JUST ISN’T CUTTING IT!!!! DAMN FED UP!!!

    Reply
  3. this is a damn shame. i hope they both get major jail time for this. id starve before i let my furbabies go hungry.

    Reply
    • Me, too!!! My BABIES will NEVER GO WITHOUT ANYTHING THEY NEED! These people deserve the SAME TREATMENT they bestowed on those poor animals!!! I’d like to get my hands on them!!! So SICK AND TIRED OF THIS GOING ON IN MY STATE, AND NOTHING BEING DONE!!!

      Reply

Leave a Comment

follow it link and logo