10 Dead Animals Found In Commerce City Home
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (CBS4) – Police in Commerce City are investigating a case of suspected animal cruelty after the remains of 10 animals were found in a home.
On Wednesday police found dogs, cats, rodents and birds inside the home in the 6000 block of Jasmine Court. Of the 12 animals inside, 10 were dead.
Rachel Swinford lives a few doors down from the home.
"I (saw) them removing the animals out of the house in plastic bags," Swinford said.
Swinford said the woman who lives in the home is in her 20s and told Swinford she's a veterinary technician. She says she was friendly enough, but had strange habits.
"The really weird thing is they keep their window open and it's really cold at night, and some people think there are satanic rituals going on," Swinford said. "But I don't think it's drugs that she's on, she's never really been that type."
Police say a complaint to property management prompted them to check out the home.
After seeing the woman's emaciated cat, Swinford said she isn't surprised by what police found inside.
"I feel bad because she was my friend. I got to know somebody and it's just turned out that she wasn't taking care of her animals," she said.
"The resident and owner of the animals was contacted at the scene and is cooperating with investigators," police said in a statement.
The woman hasn't been arrested but the investigation is ongoing.
"At its completion, appropriate criminal charges will be determined," police said.
The two animals that were alive were taken to the Adams County Animal Shelter for treatment.
