Authorities seize 153 ducks, 3 cats from NC woman

WILMINGTON, NC (WTVD) -- Authorities in eastern North Carolina say they've removed 153 ducks and three cats from a woman's home.

Lt. Jerry Brewer of the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office said authorities seized the animals from Cynthia Huber's home south of Wilmington on Dec. 20.

Brewer told ABC affiliate WWAY that it took a while for investigators to get a search warrant for Huber's property on Watermill Way because she would not cooperate.

Two area animal rescue groups have taken in the animals.

Brewer said the investigation started after Huber took a sick kitten to a veterinarian, and the veterinarian alerted authorities. That led authorities to search her house. Brewer said the county health department also inspected the property because of large amounts of animal waste in a pond at the home.

Huber, 56, faces charges including nine counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Huber faces a federal charge from a Wildlife Resources Officer because one duck was illegal to have.

Huber didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment left with a relative.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.