ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — (Warning: Story contains graphic details or images)
A woman is facing additional charges after investigators learned several animals that were supposed to be in her care died from neglect and starvation, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office said.
Rowan County Animal Services responded to a case of possible animal abandonment at a home on Upland Trail in Cleveland in mid-November. When investigators arrived, they saw some chickens roaming the property and three dogs inside the house through a window. Investigators allege that the dogs were emaciated and one of them was unable to stand up because it was so weak.
The owner of the animals, Grace Charlene Horne, met officers at the home and told them that no one had been there to care for the animals in about a month. The house was covered with feces and urine, and the dogs were taken to a nearby animal shelter for treatment.
On Jan. 12, the district attorney's office contacted Rowan County deputies to investigate the case. The veterinarian who treated the dogs said that all three animals were "as close as they could be to dying of starvation and still be breathing." This led to deputies obtaining warrants for seven counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and seven felony counts of animal cruelty against Horne. She was served those warrants and released on a written promise to appear in court.
On Tuesday, witnesses told the sheriff's office that they witnesses the animals being poorly cared for, including the dogs and chickens. One person said there were three ducks and five chickens on the property in the summer of 2023, but one of the ducks died. The witness said Horne was never home and left no food for the ducks or chickens. A pool that was placed out for the ducks had no water and was nothing but sludge, according to witness testimony. Horne was notified when one of the ducks died and a neighbor began caring for them. Despite this, the two remaining ducks and a chicken died, bringing the total of dead animals to four.
Horne was later charged with four counts of felony death by starvation on Jan. 16. She was served while appearing in court on the animal cruelty charges.
The dogs that were taken to the shelter have been rehabilitated and adopted to new homes, officials said.
WCNC Charlotte is committed to reporting on the many issues facing the communities we serve. We tell the stories of people working to solve persistent social problems. We examine how problems can be solved or addressed to improve the quality of life and make a positive difference. WCNC Charlotte is seeking solutions for you. Send your tips or questions to newstips@wcnc.com.