Authorities have charged a seventy-year-old Walker County woman with animal cruelty after finding more than 100 animals, including dogs chained to trees, animal feces inside her residence, and dozens of cats stacked in crates, including one that was deceased.

Kathryn Marie Decker of South Dick Creek Road has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty and willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Additional charges are pending as the investigation continues.

Authorities were alerted to the animal hoarding by a call to the county’s animal shelter requesting an animal welfare check. On August 9th, Walker County Animal Services attempted to inspect the property for malnourished animals, but the owner refused to allow county officials on her property. After obtaining an inspection warrant to access the property, animal control officers, along with a deputy from the Sheriff’s Office searched residence.

Three dogs and ninety-eight cats were removed from the property.  The incident is still under investigation.