More than 40 dogs rescued from site in Chatham County, woman charged with animal cruelty
A Chatham County woman faces 10 counts of animal cruelty after 44 dogs were seized from her property Thursday in Bear Creek.
According to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, 36-year-old Alicia Dawn Culberson was arrested Friday and charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty.
The investigation, which authorities said is ongoing, stemmed from a citizen who was concerned about the animals' well-being. Deputies were notified about distressing sounds from a "large number" of dogs on the property.
Investigators seized 44 dogs, six of which were dead. The surviving animals are under veterinary care at the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Resource Center.
Warrants obtained Monday by WRAL News show the conditions of the dogs, which were mostly mixed breeds or miniature schnauzers and mostly puppies just a few months old.
Deputies said their conditions upon intake varied, with issues such as starvation, dehydration, parasites, severe matting, malnutrition or a combination of multiple health concerns. Some dogs were covered in urine and feces.
Sky 5 on Monday flew over the large property along Oakley Church Road in Bear Creek, where multiple dogs were seen in a fenced enclosure attached to a building. WRAL News is working to learn why dogs still remain on the property.
Piles of trash and overturned dog kennels scattered across the site were also visible from Sky 5.
WRAL News has asked why the owner faces only 10 counts of animal cruelty for the 44 dogs seized but was told the investigation was ongoing.
The sheriff’s office released the five freedoms that guide responsible animal care, which is endorsed by various organizations internationally. These guidelines ensure animals under a person's care have the following rights:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst: Ensuring ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain health and vigor.
- Freedom from discomfort: Providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease: Providing prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
- Freedom to express normal behavior: Providing sufficient space, proper facilities, and the company of their own kind.
- Freedom from fear and distress: Ensuring conditions and treatment that avoid mental suffering, promoting a secure environment for animals.
Culberson is scheduled to appear in court in Pittsboro on Wednesday. She declined the opportunity to talk with WRAL News.
Culberson's attorney, Taylor Gant, released a statement that said, “important to stress, criminal charges are not convictions. At this time, upon my legal advice, my client declines to comment. If at any time that advice changes, we will be swift in sharing her side."
WRAL spoke with another dog breeder who visited Culberson’s property. That breeder described conditions as “bad” with some dogs standing in feces up to their ankles.
