More than 40 dogs seized, 6 found dead at Chatham County residence; owner charged

BEAR CREEK, N.C. (WTVD) -- Deputies arrested and charged a woman in Chatham County with multiple counts of animal cruelty after more than 40 dogs were seized.

According to the Chatham County Sheriff's Office, on Thursday, deputies executed a search warrant at a residence on Oakley Church Road after multiple reports of distressed sounds coming from dogs on the property.

Officials said investigators seized 44 dogs, six of which were dead. According to the CCSO, the animals were found with various issues including dehydration, parasites, severe matting, malnutrition, or a combination of multiple health concerns.

On Friday, deputies arrested and charged Alicia Dawn Culberson, 36, with 10 misdemeanor cruelty to animal charges.

Warrants describe how authorities allegedly found the dogs. Warrants also said several miniature schnauzers were found covered in dry and wet feces and urine among other issues.

The surviving dogs were being cared for Monday at the Chatham Animal Resource Center where they are being nursed back to good health.

According to online records, there is a dog-breeding service that operates out of Culberson's address,

Culberson was released on a written promise to appear. She is scheduled to make a court appearance Wednesday.

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