Wretched living conditions unfit for human habitation in which 81 dogs were kept inside a home in the 1900 block of Hollister Street in Ceres resulted in the arrests of three people on Tuesday, March 19.
A minor and a senior were taken from the home and looked after while Ceres Police arrested three on charges of child abuse, elder abuse and animal cruelty. Booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center were Lissette St. Denis, 43, Seth Badal, 43, and Freddy Vasquez, 22. While the investigation is ongoing additional charges may be added.
The discovery of the squalor took place after an anonymous call was placed to Ceres Police to check on the wellness check of one of the residents living there. At approximately 8:30 a.m. officers contacted several occupants, including an elderly woman and girl who were living in unlivable conditions.
Because of the stench from the feces and ammonia from urine in the unit that brought oxygen levels to only 16 percent, masked Modesto firefighters were called in to remove the dogs and help clean up the hazardous unit.
Together with Stanislaus Animal Services Agency, 81 dogs were transported into the already overcrowded animal shelter in west Ceres for medical treatment.
The underage girl and senior woman were taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. The girl was placed into the custody of Child Protective Services while the woman received services from Adult Protective Services.
The condition of the dog was heart-breaking, commented Vaughn Maurice, executive director of the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency (SASA). He said many of the dogs suffer from eye problems due to prolonged exposure to dark and unsanitary conditions while the long-haired dogs were severely matted.
“While we are relieved to have rescued these innocent animals from such dire circumstances, it is heart-wrenching to witness the suffering they have endured,” said Maurice. “Our priority now is to provide them with the necessary medical attention, rehabilitation, and, ultimately, find them loving forever homes.”
The influx of such a large number of dogs has exacerbated the strain on SASA’s already overcrowded shelter.
He said once the dogs have undergone veterinary evaluations, they will be transitioned into the shelter’s adoption program, where efforts will be made to “match them with compassionate individuals or families who can offer them the love, care, and stability they deserve.”
Anyone looking to adopt or foster an animal is urged to contact the shelter at 3647 Cornucopia Way in Ceres or visit www.StanislausAnimalServices.com.
