POWAY, Calif. – A San Diego County couple has pleaded guilty to hoarding more than 170 Yorkshire terriers and Yorkie mixes in filthy conditions.
Authorities say Christine Calvert and Mark Vattimo entered pleas Monday to animal neglect. They face probation and counselling and can’t own pets for a decade.
Get daily National news
Investigators who went to their Poway home in January found dozens of dogs in a dark room. The floor and walls were covered in excrement, and the dogs had a variety of problems, including fleas and matted hair.
READ MORE: Couple who hoarded 276 dogs could face trial for animal cruelty
- Woman on trial for manslaughter of mother in suspected elder abuse case testifies
- N.B. police officer charged with harassing former intimate partner
- Edmonton man accused of rolling back odometers, selling vehicles at inflated prices
- RCMP arrest man after taxi stolen, crashed into police station’s wheelchair ramp
About 30 dogs were seized later at another location and another 46 were found in a motor home in Primm, Nevada, where Calvert was arrested after fleeing the state.
The dogs – including puppies born to some of the animals – were put up for adoption.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.