Gerald Police Chief Jim Helton told The Republican that on Wednesday, Aug. 7, his department executed a search warrant at a home in the 300 block of W. Sixth Street. During a search they rescued six animals from deplorable conditions “not fit for animals,” according to Helton.

The house was empty except for the animals. Inside they found two dogs and one cat covered in fleas and roaming on the excrement-covered floor. No food or water was available to them. Outside were three rabbits living in similar deplorable conditions in a hutch. A fourth rabbit in the hutch was already dead. The following week police recovered a third dog belonging to the property.

The rabbits were removed to a rabbit rescue facility in Fenton. The dogs and cats were taken to the Franklin County Humane Society for evaluation and treatment.

Helton says the case was one of the worst animal neglect and cruelty cases he has seen. The owners had apparently left the house and abandoned the animals.

The police vehicle used to transport the animals required treatment to exterminate the fleas left behind.

Helton urges anyone unable to care for their pets to contact the Franklin County Humane Society for assistance.

The case has been turned over to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s office to determine charges.