Woman Arrested on Animal Cruelty Charges After Eight Dogs Found in Deplorable Conditions

A woman in Louisville, Kentucky, has been taken into custody and arraigned on charges of animal cruelty following the shocking discovery of eight dogs living in squalid conditions. Vallary Amato, aged 52, was arraigned on Friday morning on eight counts of animal cruelty and one violation of the Metro Louisville ordinance.

According to the arrest citation, Amato was entrusted with the care of these dogs, who were housed at the residence of her son and her son’s boyfriend. However, it was revealed that she only visited the dogs once a week to provide them with food. The involvement of her son and his boyfriend in this matter remains uncertain at this time.

Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) became aware of the situation after concerned neighbors reported that the two men living at the property had not been seen for several months, suggesting that they had abandoned both the home and the dogs. LMAS responded to the reports by dispatching animal control officers to the property on three separate occasions between September 30 and November 15. Unfortunately, each visit found the home deserted.

In mid-November, one of the occupants of the residence consented to LMAS removing the dogs from the premises. The dire conditions in which these animals were found were described in court records, painting a distressing picture. Seven of the dogs were confined to a single room, which was reportedly covered in feces piled “several feet high.” The residence showed significant damage, including a large hole in the wall, feces and dirt covering window sills and the ceiling, and feces found throughout the house. The dogs were described as unsocialized and in desperate need of care.

While Stephanie Jackson, a spokesperson for LMAS, could not provide details on the ongoing criminal investigation, she confirmed that the dogs have since been cleaned, groomed, and placed with foster families.

Amato appeared in court, where a judge set her bond at $2,500 and issued an order prohibiting her from having any contact with animals. She is scheduled to return to court on January 8 to face the charges against her.

This disturbing case of alleged animal cruelty has shocked the local community, prompting discussions about the need for vigilant reporting and animal welfare awareness. For further updates on this developing story, stay tuned to WLKY News, your trusted source for breaking news in Louisville, Kentucky.