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An animal cruelty case has landed two Cookeville residents behind bars.
44-year-old Tara Neutzler and 53-year-old Donald Shoenthal face three counts of animal cruelty and one count of aggravated animal cruelty.
The charges come after deputies from the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office rescued more than 40 animals from the couple’s home in May. A press release said deputies became aware of the situation after serving warrants against Neutzler on May 10th.
“Deputies noticed numerous dogs and cats crammed into cages in the yard and there was a distinct odor of urine, feces and decomposition inside the residence,” the release said. “Warrants Deputies alerted Investigators of the Sheriff’s Office of their findings, and PCSO immediately reached out to Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a nonprofit animal rescue organization, for assistance.”
Later that evening, authorities found dogs and cats running loose inside and outside the home. A dead kitten was also located in a basket on a shelf.
“A total of 23 dogs and 19 cats were found on the premises. The food available to them was moldy, when food was present, and some of the animals were without water,” The release said. “Animals were suffering from dental disease, had matted fur, fur loss or untreated skin infections and were covered in external parasites/fleas and ticks.
ARC transported all the animals to their Rescue Operations Center in Lebanon, TN. ARC has been caring for the seized animals from both operations with help from Redemption Road Rescue and the BISSELL Pet Foundation, who provided emergency grants to assist with medical care and daily needs.
