In Louisville, Kentucky, a distressing situation unfolded as eight dogs were discovered abandoned in a house filled with feces. The woman responsible for their care, 52-year-old Vallary Amato, was arrested following the disturbing find.
Court records, obtained by local CBS affiliate WLKY, revealed that the residence, owned by Amato’s son and his boyfriend, was in deplorable conditions. The waste inside the house was reportedly piled “several feet high.” Amato was entrusted with the care of the dogs but only visited once a week to feed them.
Neighbors, who noticed a foul odor emanating from the house and heard the dogs barking, reported the situation to Louisville Metro Animal Services. Despite multiple attempts by animal control officers to check on the dogs, nobody appeared to be home.
In November, after one of the owners agreed, the shelter employees were allowed to remove the dogs. The living conditions were appalling, with seven of the dogs found in one room covered in feces several feet high. The court records described a damaged wall, windowsills and ceiling covered in dirt and feces, and an overall lack of socialization for the dogs.
Amato faced charges of eight counts of animal cruelty and one violation of the Metro Louisville ordinance during her arraignment on Friday. A judge ordered her not to have any contact with animals. The fate of the couple who owned the home is unclear, and it’s unknown whether they will face charges.
The dogs, thankfully, were removed from the squalid conditions, cleaned, and placed with foster families, as confirmed by a representative from Louisville Metro Animal Services. Amato is scheduled to appear in court again on January 8.