A couple specializing in animal rescue was convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty
An American couple, Tiffany and Steven Woodington, were convicted of multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities found about 150 dead dogs at their homes in the states of Missouri and Texas.
In Texas, authorities found about 270 dogs, of which about 20 were dead. The surviving dogs were kept in cramped cages, covered in feces and urine. Some dogs have even died when kept in the same cage. Authorities estimate that more than half of the dogs found in Texas did not survive or were forced to be euthanized.
In Missouri, authorities found about 120 dead dogs and 1 dead cat. Some dogs are still alive with unkempt hair and skinny bones. Jeane Jae, a spokeswoman for the Missouri Humane Society, said the surviving animals, currently in care, are in poor condition.
The Woodington couple founded the animal rescue organization All Accounted For in 2017. They regularly post photos and videos of animal rescue activities on social networks. However, authorities suspect that Woodington used his organization to scam donations.
Woodington pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges and was sentenced to 19 years in prison in Texas. Her husband, Steven Woodington, was also sentenced to 10 years in prison.
This incident is a wake-up call for people who are planning to raise animals. We need to be more responsible in caring for and protecting animals.
Abused animals need help. If you discover a case of animal cruelty, report it to the authorities.