Police: Arrests Followed Discovery Of Animal Remains, Dirty Home

AVON, Ind. -- An Avon-area couple were arrested and their daughter was placed into protective custody Thursday after officers found smelly animal carcasses on their property and animal feces throughout their home, police said.

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Slideshow: Two Charged After Filthy Home Find

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Dennis A. Hatcher, 25, and Michele L. Hatcher, 31, were arrested shortly after 5 p.m. at their 7-year-old daughter's school in Avon, the Hendricks County sheriff's department said.

The department said areas outside and inside the home smelled of animal remains and feces. Officers found the carcasses of eight dogs and one cat on the property Thursday, authorities said.

Animal feces were found in "all areas of the living space and garage," the sheriff's department said in a press release.

Sheriff's deputies were sent to the home, located on the 1100 block of County Road 900 East, at about noon to help animal control officers with an investigation, the release said.

"They (two veteran officers) say they've never, ever seen a home in this condition," Hendricks County sheriff Jim Quearry said. "I could probably get more graphic, but I'll leave that to the imagination."

The Hatchers face charges of neglect of a dependent, a Class D felony. Charges relating to the care and condition of animals are expected, the sheriff's department said.

Dennis and Michele Hatcher were being held Thursday evening with bond set at $5,000.

The family rents the home, the sheriff's department said.

Neighbors had reported problems with the dogs on several occasions, but hadn't seen the inside of the home until now.

"I think it's atrocious that anyone should live in those conditions," neighbor Sandy McClaine said. "My concern is for the little girl. This isn't her thing to deal with. This is her parents."

Michele Hatcher refused to talk to RTV6.