BOONE COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE

Transcription

1 BOONE COUNTY SHERIFF S OFFICE 1905 Indianapolis Ave. Lebanon, IN Sheriff Michael T. Nielsen *Media Release* Immediate Release: January 12th Due to the recent news of alleged animal neglect reported by Channel 13 (WTHR), the Boone County Sheriff s Office would like to convey the true facts about the complaint in rural Boone County. The McCormick s are heartbroken and outraged at the false accusation from their neighbors. Mr. McCormick stated: I cannot believe the news would report something as severe as this without checking the facts first. We are very disappointed in the process. We are in full cooperation with the Boone County Sheriff s Office, the Health Department and the Humane Society, to clear our name. The McCormick s are in the process of buying a house, but still live in the Terhune home at this time. They believe their neighbor is slandering them. The facts are listed below: January 4th: BCSO responds to civil dispute between neighbors. McCormick s called to complain neighbor was digging in his yard and threatened to cut his septic system. January 7th: Neighbors call BCSO for welfare check (heat) on children in home. BCSO deputies respond with Child Protective Services and find sufficient heat, food, water and shelter. February 4th: Mrs. McCormick admitted and hospitalized for open heart surgery. February 5th: Friend of McCormick s checks on the animals. February 6th: Mr. McCormick goes home to feed and water the animals verifies that the multiple space heaters in home are still running. February 6th: Neighbor calls BCSO to report welfare check on animals, states no heat in house, concerned for animals. BCSO deputies checks home and verifies food, water and portable heater in the home. Deputy also notices electricity working in home. Health Department notified as well. February 6th: Neighbor calls BCSO again to complain that officers haven t responded to welfare check. Neighbor is called and informed that BCSO did respond and checked on animals. BCSO notifies the Boone County Health Department and Humane Society. February 7th: Another friend of McCormick s checks on wellbeing of animals, per McCormick s request.

2 February 10th: Neighbor calls to report dogs abandoned in home. Deputies inform neighbor of the ongoing investigation between the Health Department, Humane Society and the BCSO. February 10th: McCormick discharged from hospital and return home. **Father of Mr. McCormick checks home after work every day and feeds animals twice during the week. February 12th: The McCormick s contact BCSO to convey the facts. The BCSO along with the McCormick s, The Boone County Health Department and Humane Society for Boone County investigate the facts and check the home. The Humane Society observed a bonded relationship between the McCormick s and their animals. The President of Humane Society for Boone County, Mike Hancock stated: We have inspected the animal s coats, nails, teeth and body weight. All 5 were deemed in good shape. We are currently helping the McCormick s with some vet care in their time of need. The animals have been voluntarily moved to another family member s home while Mrs. McCormick heals. We will continue to monitor the wellbeing of the animals. Greg Inman with the Boone County Health Department stated: At this time the residence is being condemned for minimal housing standards. We will continue our investigation into the status of the home. Sheriff Nielsen stated: It is critical in situations like this to make sure all information is gathered from all parties before information is disseminated. These animals were not abandoned, nor left without food, water or shelter. As you can see above, they were consistently being checked on, and were found in good health by experts. The cooperation between the McCormick s, the Humane Society, the Health Department and the Sheriff s Office has found a positive resolution to a serious accusation. At this time the investigation is complete. We have determined there will be no criminal charges filed. It is unclear why there are ongoing issues between the neighbors but the BCSO has, and will continue to, investigate every complaint by the public to the fullest. Photos attached below

3 Annie (dog) and Herman (cat) eating

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5 Marmado pictured as well Thanks, Chris Burcham, Sergeant Public Information Officer Boone County Sheriff s Office 1905 Indianapolis Avenue Lebanon, IN TX: (765) Cell: (765)