ALLENSTOWN, N.H. (AP) – Two Allenstown women charged this week with lying about a puppy mutilation case last month now face dozens of abuse charges because of conditions at their trailer home.
Police and animal protection officials were at the home of Jeanne Nolte, 51, and Mary Gail Malloy, 55, on Wednesday, removing more than 135 dogs, cats, birds and other animals.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said the animals were kept in cages and crates piled on top of one another up to the ceiling, with no access to daylight.
The floors were covered with feces, urine and crushed pet food, officials said.
“I guess my only crime is having a good heart and loving animals,” said Malloy, crying. “I’m not a bad person.”
Ric Silveira, an SPCA investigator, said SPCA and the Allenstown police had received numerous complaints about the animals over the past few months. But Officer Craig Huard of the Allenstown police said his department didn’t have any idea how dire the situation was until Wednesday, when he and Silveira arrived and Malloy agreed to let them look around.
“I think she was glad that we came,” Huard said. “She was overwhelmed.”
Nolte earlier were charged with giving Concord police a false report and Malloy was charged with conspiracy. Police said Malloy’s Chow Chow is the mother of the puppies found mutilated in a garbage bag and left in a trash can at a park. It’s possible the mother chewed off the puppies’ limbs, authorities said.
Police said Malloy and Nolte lied because they did not want the mother dog to be taken away.
In court papers filed Wednesday, Malloy and Nolte sought help from a veterinarian after discovering the maimed pups on Aug. 28. They told the vet and police they found the puppies in the park. But a few days later, the women admitted the story was false, according to affidavits filed in district court.
AP-ES-10-02-03 0756EDT
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