365 dead, live animals dedicated from Decatur Co. property

DECATUR COUNTY — At approximately 11:47 am Wednesday, a deputy with Decatur County Deputies ordered repossession of a residence in the 4900 block of East County Road 280 North.

When the deputy arrived, he found multitudes of neglected animals, including several that were dying and/or deceased throughout the parameters of the property.

The deputy contacted the prosecutor’s officer and obtained a search warrant for the property.

During the search warrant, 318 live animals were reserved from the property alongside 24 dead animals and 23 that were euthanized on the scene.

A report from police states that the animals were malnourished and without food and little water available.

Images of the animals provided by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office are below, be warned some of them are graphic in nature.

The deputies were assisted by Decatur County Deputies, Greensburg Fire Department, Decatur County EMA, Greensburg Police Department, Decatur County/Greensburg Animal Control, and Decatur County Board of Health.

Assisting with the care, feeding, and seizing of the animals were Triple-R Equine Rescue, the Metz Brothers Farm, Soy Processors, Standard Fertilizer, and the Mike Colson Family.

.James E. Hamilton has been charged with the following in this case:

  • Neglect of Animals (neglecting sheep resulting in their death), Class A Misdemeanor
  • Neglect of Animals (neglecting sheep resulting in their euthanization), Class A Misdemeanor
  • Neglect of Animals (neglecting sheep resulting in malnutrition), Class A Misdemeanor

The 320 sheep that were impounded to Triple R Equine Rescue are needing help. The rescue is working on a plan in case the bond is not paid by Tuesday, August 16th. They are estimating the cost of taking care of the sheep for 30 days is $25,000.

If the bond is not paid in time, the animals will be turned over to Decatur County Animal Control.

To help save these animals, you can call Decatur County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Doug Brown at 812-663-8505.