(AP) — A couple in Mississippi were arrested on animal cruelty charges after authorities found more than 100 animals, including a monkey, a miniature donkey and a pale fox, on their property.
Harrison County deputies found 108 animals living in “deplorable living conditions” during a search of Sharon Bertok and Daniel Bertok’s home Wednesday morning, Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson said in a news release. Peterson said most of the animals, aside from the livestock, were found inside the home.
Three animal rescue groups who removed the animals from the property are now caring for them, news outlets reported. Other animals found in the house include more than five dozen dogs, 15 birds, seven cats, five goats and a skunk.
Attorney Michael Crosby, a lawyer for the couple, told WLOX-TV the couple are animal lovers that have “dedicated their lives to giving love and care to rescued animals, all of which were spayed and neutered.” He said some areas on their property were not clean because of “her back injury and his efforts to expand the house.”
The couple have been released on bond.