German Township woman faces animal cruelty charges
A German Township woman is facing several felony charges after 33 animals were removed from her home.
A humane officer with the Angels of Mercy Animal Rescue charged Sara Ann Nalepka Wednesday with aggravated cruelty to animals. Court records do not list a date of birth for Nalepka.
According to the criminal complaint, police went to Nalepka’s home in the 400 block of First Street last month following a report that animals had been abandoned inside.
Police found that property had not been maintained and saw a loose dog. The dog was missing fur and appeared to be underweight, according to the complaint.
Looking through a screen door, a humane officer could see multiple dogs and a cat standing among piles of rotting garbage, the complaint alleged.
“There were flies everywhere. The overwhelming odor of decomposition, rotting garbage, feces and urine irritated my eyes and nose,” Humane Officer Jamie Speelman wrote in court filings.
Police ultimately removed 28 cats and five dogs from the home, including a dachshund that had already died. The animals were described as all having body sores, fleas and were in poor hygiene.
Three of the cats had open wounds to their necks and faces, and two died within 24 hours of the rescue, authorities said.
Nalepka also faces 50 misdemeanor charges animal cruelty and neglect of animals. She has yet to be arraigned on the charges, according to court records.