Two Metcalfe County residents are facing a combined 80 charges following a Kentucky State Police investigation into the conditions of more than 200 dogs kept on a Metcalfe County property located just over the Adair County line in the Breeding community.
According to court documents, Michael W. York, 34, was charged with 20 counts of second-degree cruelty to animals and 20 counts of failure to vaccinate dogs against rabies.
Natasha N. York, 36, was charged with 20 counts of complicity to second-degree cruelty to animals and 20 counts of failure to vaccinate dogs against rabies.
Michael York was arrested on the charges Aug. 21 and posted a $5,000 cash bond on Aug. 24. A summons to appear in court was served on Natasha York Aug. 28.
Both are scheduled for arraignment in Metcalfe District Court at 9 a.m. Sept. 23.
Second-degree cruelty to animals and complicity to second-degree cruelty to animals are Class A misdemeanors. Each count carries a potential sentence of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $500.
Failure to vaccinate dogs against rabies is a violation punishable by a fine of $10 to $100 per count.
Kentucky State Police Post 15 in Columbia began the investigation after authorities found more than 200 dogs on the property. The preliminary investigation found many of the dogs had not received required rabies vaccinations.
Several dogs were found suffering from dehydration, internal parasites, malnutrition and other health conditions. One dog was found with a broken leg.
Trooper Trent Tooley conducted the investigation in collaboration with Guardians of Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting the well-being of animals.
“My primary concern throughout this investigation was the welfare of these animals,” Tooley said. “They depend on people to provide them with proper care, and when that responsibility is neglected, they have no way to speak for themselves.”
Tooley said seeing the conditions some of the dogs were living in was difficult, but he was proud authorities were able to take action and begin getting the animals the help they needed.
Kelly Basham, director of operations and investigations for Guardians of Rescue, said the organization takes accountability seriously.
