Ukiah woman arrested after 100 animals found in poor condition
A teenage boy and more than 100 animals — including rabbits, dogs, chickens, sheep and cows — were taken from the home of a Mendocino County woman who is expected to be charged with several counts of animal cruelty and neglect, authorities said.
Patrice Elizabeth Phillips, 59, was arrested Tuesday on her property south of Ukiah in Northern California when she resisted as authorities tried to serve a search warrant, Mendocino County sheriff’s officials told the Press Democrat.
Authorities said animal control officers have been dealing with problems at the home for about a month. Nearby residents initially complained that Phillips couldn’t keep the animals confined to her own property. Recently, officials seized 10 Great Pyrenees puppies.
Authorities said Phillips will probably be charged with multiple animal cruelty and neglect crimes because there was not enough food, water or facilities for the animals. Many were dehydrated and had to compete for food, authorities said, and feces was found inside her home.
A 13-year-old boy, believed to be Phillips’ son, was taken from the home when she was arrested.
Most of the animals were taken away, except for one dog and a group of chickens that bolted from the property and eluded capture.
ALSO:
Snake stench: ‘We thought someone was dead,’ neighbor says
High school cheating scandal: Hard line taken against students
Big-rig driver flees scene of fatal multi-vehicle crash in Fontana
Twitter: @aribloomekatz | Facebook
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
