Arizona woman, 77, charged with 43 counts of Animal Cruelty in animal hoarding case

On January 14, the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO,) headquartered in Kingman, Arizona, reported that the agency’s Animal Enforcement Division had been conducting an ongoing complaint of animal hoarding at two separate residences located in the Dolan Springs area. Additionally, some of these animals were running at large and attacking local livestock. The residences, located in the 15000 block of N. Garnet Dr. and 16000 block of N. Kathleen Dr., were both being utilized by 77-year-old Betty Lynne Fuchsel.

Over the past several years, Fuchsel has received several citations in reference to the violations and failed to comply or appear in court, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

On January 11, Fuchsel was taken into custody for warrants that had been issued for her arrest for failing to appear on these charges. Prior to her arrest, a search warrant was obtained for her properties.

Upon entering the two residences, the floors were found to be covered with feces, trash, and urine.

Several dogs were found to be locked up inside the residence and in vehicles on the property, with no access to food or water. The dogs were found to be emaciated and in various stages of neglect. During the search of the properties, a total of forty-three dogs were seized. Several of the dogs were taken for immediate emergency veterinarian care. ~ Mohave County Sheriff’s Office

In addition to her original charges, Fuchsel was also charged with forty-three counts of felony Animal Cruelty, which amounts to a class 5 felony. The animals were turned over to the care and custody of the Mohave County Animal Shelter.

Images and Video Appear Below

43 dogs rescued from squalid conditions, many running amuck attacking local livestock, others locked up with no food or water

Arizona woman, 77, charged with 43 counts of Animal Cruelty in animal hoarding case

Editor’s note: No mention of Fuchsel’s mental condition has been mentioned by authorities or in any of the media accounts, except to say that the Sheriff’s Office initially described her case as an “animal hoarding” complaint. A casual glance at any of the photos of her home provided by MCSO appears to confirm that her case indeed falls into the hoarding category and that she might be able to benefit by receiving professional help.

See: Regain your life from Hoarding OCD

(Source and all images: Mohave County Sheriff’s Office)