Police: Animal Neglect Case Worst Seen In Years

DANVILLE, Ind. -- An Avon, Ind., couple went before a judge Friday morning after officials said they found a number of dead animals and feces scattered through their home.

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Slideshow: Two Charged After Filthy Home Find

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Dennis and Michele Hatcher were being held on $5,000 bond on a neglect charge. Police said the couple's 7-year-old girl lived at the home where the dead animals and feces was discovered.

Prosecutors met with animal control officers Friday morning to discuss further charges against the Hatchers. Officials believe several other dead animals have yet to be found.

Animal control officials said the only living animal found on the property was a rabbit that's now being nursed back to health at the Hendricks County animal shelter.

Eight dogs and a cat were found dead on the couple's property, off County Road 900E.

"It's pretty heinous," Hendricks County animal control Chief Anne Lewis said, "anyone who can watch an animal go through this and not come to us to ask for help."

Authorities said the Hatchers had been living in a rented home with their daughter. The prosecutor said there are several other charges being considered.

"That child is being looked at in terms of her neglect," Hendricks County prosecutor Patricia Baldwin said. "If they treated the animals that way, what was happening?"

Police said animal control had been watching the Hatchers for years because of the high number of animals they had. Authorities believe the problem escalated recently.

"This isn't like they didn't know they were supposed to take care of these animals," Baldwin said.

Hendricks County officials are working with Marion County animal control searching for 10 to 11 more dogs.

The couple's daughter was placed in the custody of child protective services.