The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people on felony animal abuse and child abuse charges after investigators discovered several malnourished animals and two teenagers living in deplorable conditions.
Houchin says the investigation began October 6th when a woman brought four dogs to the Capital Humane Society, claiming they were puppies she had found at Conestoga Lake. However, the dogs were actually one- to two-year-old adults so severely malnourished they appeared to be puppies.
The woman gave investigators a false name and address. Patrol deputies and criminal investigators eventually identified her and obtained a search warrant for a home near 40th and Van Dorn. During the search, investigators removed three additional dogs, four puppies, two chinchillas and a bearded dragon. They also discovered two juveniles, ages 13 and 14, living in the home.
Houchin described it as “one of the most disgusting houses our investigators have ever been in.” He said even seasoned investigators were shocked by the conditions, including serious plumbing problems. The kitchen sink drained into buckets underneath it that were covered in mold.
Houchin believes the home would need to be gutted rather than simply cleaned. The two juveniles were at school when deputies executed the search warrant. Child Protective Services went to the school afterward and took custody of the children, placing them in a clean environment. “I feel horrible for the kids,” Houchin said.
Investigators arrested 41-year-old Sarai Bloomquist and 46-year-old Jay Chalk on felony animal abuse and felony child abuse charges. Houchin also said records show Bloomquist had been cited 12 times since 2004 for failing to provide rabies vaccinations and had been investigated 14 times in connection with animal cruelty complaints.
Although those earlier cases were not part of this investigation, Houchin questioned why someone with that history continued to have animals. “They certainly do not deserve to have animals,” he said.
One of the original four dogs brought to the Humane Society has since died, but the other three are doing well. The remaining animals are expected to recover and are receiving care through the Capital Humane Society and veterinary facilities.
(Photos: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office)