Sanderson couple charged with child, animal neglect
"Due to the odor and debris floating in the room, it made it almost impossible to breathe" say investigators
Sanderson couple charged with child, animal neglect
"Due to the odor and debris floating in the room, it made it almost impossible to breathe" say investigators
A search warrant obtained to investigate animal cruelty and negligence led to further charges of neglect. This time the victims of neglect would be children.
On September 16, Baker County Animal Control obtained a search warrant for the residence of William and Dena Graham on Seminole Lane in Sanderson, Fl. Accompanying them was Baker County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Brad Dougherty and Deputy Larry Moore.
They entered the home to find the stench of urine and ammonia overpowering. Animal feces were visible all over the house. Three bird cages appeared to have never been cleaned and on the floor under the cages was approximately six inches of bird droppings mixed with old food.
"Due to the odor and debris floating in the room, it made it almost impossible to breathe," read Investigator Dougherty’s report.
All rooms except one were filled with trash, clothes and debris all over the floor in addition to the animal feces from the four dogs and one cat made it extremely difficult to move around.
A large amount of trash was found on the back porch which was the primary entrance to the house. The report states, "It would appear that the occupants were throwing their trash out the back door rather than discarding it."
Officers discovered several dead and decomposing animals on the property outside including a dead unburied calf less than 25 feet from the home. The police report indicates that in another area, four dead rabbits were left in their cages and from appearances "had been dead and rotting for some time." In addition, there were several dead chickens on the property and no attempt had been made to clean up or bury them.
There were signs that the animals remaining alive were not being cared for. . . a horse appeared to be suffering from starvation and did not have water, unsheared sheep were suffering in the heat and another exotic bird was in a filthy cage with no water.
William Graham was arrested for animal abuse and child neglect. Dena Graham will also be charged on the same counts through the State Attorney’s Office.
Mrs. Graham was advised due to the condition of the home, she would have to contact a family member for the children aged 11- and 12-years-old to stay with while the Department of Children and Families assess the home.
