Louisville Metro Animal Services — Shelter Receiving Rescued Animals
A 39-year-old Camp Taylor woman pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 44 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals, months after investigators say they pulled more than 40 animals from severely unsanitary and hazardous conditions inside her home. A judge set Erika Crick’s bond at $5,000 cash during her arraignment.
Crick was arrested Monday on the 44 counts, according to WDRB+WAVE. The case traces back to Aug. 13, when Louisville Metro Police officers conducted a welfare check at a home in the 1400 block of Indiana Avenue in the Camp Taylor neighborhood. Crick was out of town at the time, and court documents said it was unclear who was caring for the animals inside, prompting Louisville Metro Animal Services to respond to the home.
Dead Animals, Newborn Puppies Found Inside
What an animal control officer found at the scene was described in stark terms: at least one dead animal and newborn puppies, along with an odor of feces and urine the officer called overwhelming. Investigators made repeated attempts to contact Crick, according to court documents, and authorities posted abandonment notices as the investigation unfolded…