A Raleigh woman, Aurora Garcia-Moso, has been arrested following the rescue of more than 100 dogs from unsanitary conditions at her home, CBS 17 reports. The 45-year-old faces six counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals after police discovered the neglected animals during an investigation that took place on June 4.
In addition to neglecting the canines, Garcia-Moso has been charged with two counts of identity theft in unrelated incidents, wherein she is accused of impersonating other individuals, after previous arrests in 2009 and 2011. According to court records, she's been given a $10,000 secured bond on the animal cruelty charges, with a court appearance set for July 8, and a $5,000 secured bond for the identity theft charges, as per CBS 17.
Following the rescue, the dogs, which included various mixes of Poodles, Pomeranians, Maltese, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and a Retriever, have been placed with rescue organizations. These animals, along with 21 chickens, were reported to have been underfed and living in deplorable conditions, WRAL details.
The SPCA of Wake County has rescued 15 of the dogs and puppies, including a mother dog with her newborns and other mature dogs. Representatives from local shelters have described the animals' poor living conditions before the rescue. "These guys did not have a blanket until last night, or a toy," Kira Krotboth of Pips Rescue told KVIA. "They were covered in their own poop, everywhere." The SPCA provided the animals with much-needed grooming and an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, both a stark contrast to the conditions from which they were saved.
Local animal welfare organizations, alongside the Raleigh Police Department, continue their work to provide care and a path toward recovery for these neglected creatures.
