A Hereford woman, Jill Houchens, has been charged with 146 counts of animal cruelty.
According to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office, on Monday February 19, 2024, at approximately 3:57 pm, deputies arrested and booked Houchens into the Cochise County Jail on 27 felony counts and 119 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and neglect.
The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office investigation was initiated on February 6, 2024 after the Office received a report of Animal Cruelty at the residence of the 56-year-old Houchens. The initial report indicated that several animals were on the property and significant unsanitary conditions inside and outside of the home as well as reports of deceased animals inside of a freezer in the home.
During the course of the investigation a search warrant was served at the home on February 9, 2024. Animal Control officers and deputies discovered several neglected animals living in extremely poor conditions. The areas where animals were kept was filled with feces and there was no clean area for the animals to stand. There was little to no water available for any of the animals and no food left out.
There was a total of 24 animals removed from the property, including 5 deceased, while 8 animals required medical attention for several issues including but not limited to embedded nails, infections, and severe matting. All nineteen alive animals are currently being held as evidence until this case is adjudicated.
Houchens has reportedly been known to operate an animal rescue and provide pet sitting services in and around Cochise County.