A Brunswick County woman has been arrested on animal cruelty charges following the rescue of more than 100 animals from unsuitable conditions at her Leland home.
Mary Eva Faith Stoltz, 33, was booked at the Brunswick County jail Tuesday, charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty, according to sheriff’s office spokeswoman Emily Flax.
Brunswick County Animal Protective Services, with the assistance of the Humane Society and local veterinarians, rescued and removed more than 100 chickens, ducks and other birds, along with 10 dogs from “deplorable conditions,” according to Humane Society Spokeswoman Kaitlin Sanderson.
Rescuers worked Tuesday to remove the animals from “feces-filled cages–some with rotting eggs on the bottom,” Sanderson said. The animals were breathing ammonia-filled air, she added.
The animals were safely taken to Brunswick County Animal Protective Services for care and recovery, Sanderson said.
“This is a very sad situation for the homeowner and the animals. It has come to a point where we have to intervene,” Tommy Tolley, director of animal protective services, said.
The animals are not up for adoption at this time and are being held as evidence, according to Flax.
Stoltz was placed under a $5,000 secured bond.
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