Two people have been arrested after authorities removed 15 animals from a Seward County property where deputies said they found dogs, kittens and a cat living in severely unsanitary conditions.
The investigation began Aug. 15 after a Seward County sheriff’s deputy received information about animals being kept in poor conditions at a property in Tamora.
When the deputy arrived, several dogs were reportedly tied with cables and ropes and were walking through their own feces and urine. Court documents state that the animals did not have access to drinkable water.
Temperatures at the property were around 80 degrees, with a heat index of 91 degrees, according to the documents.
The deputy also reported finding several kittens covered in feces inside a crate without food or water. A Great Dane found in the same area was described as malnourished.
Another kitten was found inside a trailer with a cord around its neck. Authorities used a pair of shears to remove the cord, according to court documents.
After obtaining a warrant, authorities searched the property and seized the animals. The deputy reported seeing injuries on some of the dogs, including bleeding around their necks from tight or improper tie-outs and open sores on their heads.
The animals were taken to Cross Creek Veterinary in Staplehurst for treatment.
During the arrests, authorities located two additional dogs. The final number of animals removed from the property was nine dogs, five kittens and one adult cat.
Rina Sacks, 63, and Ricky Jackson, 70, both of Seward, were arrested in connection with the investigation. Each faces 14 counts of cruelly neglecting an animal, a Class 1 misdemeanor.
Their bonds were set at 10% of $10,000 each.
Sacks and Jackson are scheduled to appear in Seward County court Wednesday, Sept. 2.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
