By KRISTYN CADDELL, 6 News Reporter
SWEETWATER (WATE) — Authorities say charges are pending against Helen Sparling, an elderly Sweetwater woman accused of hoarding dogs and cats in inhumane conditions…” More & Video
Dead Neglected Animals Found
By, Tommy Millsaps, The Advocate & Democrat
Sweetwater, TN — Helen Sparling, an elderly Sweetwater woman who has a history of hoarding animals in inhumane conditions, may be facing charges for the same offenses again, according to authorities.
On Friday, authorities and volunteer animal groups seized dozens of animals from residences on Mayes Avenue inside the Sweetwater city limits and then later in the day at a farm on County Road 307 several miles outside of Sweetwater…
“We executed an administrative inspection warrant at multiple residences on Mayes Avenue,” Wilson said.
“We rescued 19 live animals and found 18 dead,” Wilson said. According to Wilson the live animals were a near equal mix of cats and dogs, however some of the dead animals had been deceased so long Wilson said officials could not tell whether they were cats or dogs.
Animals were found both inside and outside the homes.
In most cases the animals were found in cages without access to food and water, Wilson said.
“It was bad,” he said.
Wilson said the conditions were so deplorable, he and the Sweetwater Police officers assisting him had to wear masks…
The code enforcement officer said MCAC had been on alert about the operation and quickly came.
“They were absolutely great,” he said of MCAC, an all-volunteer group directed by Dr. Nancy “Doc” McEntee. “They were very professional.”
Wilson said Sparling has violated a Chancery Court ruling by keeping the animals but no charges against her have been filed as of Tuesday…
In September 2003, Sweetwater city officials lead an operation at Sparling’s residence and others she had access to on Mayes Avenue.
That operation led to the discovery of 41 dead cats and dogs and 40 cats and dogs that were alive…
McEntee said at least 20 cats and dogs were found alive at the farm but no dead animals were found.
Animals were found in crates and cages, often with little or no ventilation, she said.
McEntee said the temperature where some of the animals were found was 89 degrees without good air circulation.
She said the animals did not have proper health care and there were several charges that could come out of the investigation and rescue mission… More
Apr 22, 2009: Sweetwater woman to face charges for hoarding animals
Nov 3, 2003: PETA ASKS FOR STATE CHARGES AGAINST CONVICTED SWEETWATER ANIMAL ABUSER, KILLER
Sept 9, 2003: Pet-abuse; Humane society official cited - 20 cats and 20 dogs found in poor condition, 19 found dead
Photo: This dog was found covered with ticks. (courtesy Dan Hall with the Daily News Express)
2 years ago