Animals Found in Squalid Conditions
Sullivan County---Acting on community tips and information from the Sullivan County Humane Society, Indiana State Police Detective Angie Hahn was able to secure a Sullivan County Superior Court search warrant today for the two-story condemned house at 311 East Washington Street in Sullivan.
At approximately 1:12 this afternoon, officers from the Indiana State Police, Sullivan Police Department, and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office entered the home, along with members of the Sullivan County Humane Society. Immediately officers discovered numerous amounts of animal feces and urine, flea infestation, dry animal food scattered about and no running water. Further check of the residence revealed one male Pitbull, one pregnant female Pitbull, two other mixed breed dogs, four live rabbits and twenty-one deceased rabbits. All of the animals appeared emaciated and were taken into custody of the Sullivan Humane Society. In the backyard of the residence, officers discovered two burial sites which contained what appeared to be two bludgeoned dogs and one rabbit.
ISP and the Sullivan Police Department are continuing to investigate leads related to this case. Witnesses have reported seeing two males dressed in hoodies arrive at the home between 2a.m. and 3a.m. on various mornings driving a faded red to maroon older model four-door car. If you have any information related to this case or the males entering the residence, please call the ISP at 765-653-4114 or the Sullivan Police Department at 812-268-4353.
The home is owned by a Florida based company, but is currently condemned by the Sullivan Building Commissioner.
The lead investigator is ISP Detective Angie Hahn. Assisting were Sullivan Police Chief Jesse Morin, Sergeant Dave Story and Officer John Crusie, Sullivan County Sheriff’s deputies Lt. Bill Snead, Jeff Kinnett, and Greg Keegan, and the Sullivan Humane Society. Also on scene observing was Sullivan Mayor Clint Lamb.
Please direct investigative questions to ISP Sergeant Joe Watts. Questions about the Humane Society and animal health, please direct to the SCHS at 812-268-4201.
Pictures of residence attached. I do not have photos of the animals.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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SGT. JOE WATTS
