Five individuals are facing a multitude of animal cruelty charges following a shocking discovery made during a house hunting trip in Walker County. James Delbert Fields, Jr. (78), Miriam Fields (65), Mario Lopez (42), Melodie Lopez (40), and Britni Fields (20) have each been charged with 13 counts of cruelty to animals and three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.

The investigation began when a couple touring a property for sale on Highway 151 with their realtor alerted a Walker County Animal Control officer to disturbing conditions inside the home. The couple reported seeing numerous dogs and cats living in squalid conditions, along with a deceased ferret in a crate. Responding to the call, Animal Control officers, accompanied by a Walker County Sheriff’s Office deputy, discovered the deceased ferret, a decomposing rabbit, and crates containing two dead goats outside the residence. After obtaining a search warrant, they entered the home and were immediately confronted with “extremely deplorable conditions,” including urine-soaked carpets, caked feces in multiple rooms, moldy food, and a severe insect infestation.

Authorities removed a total of nine dogs, four cats, two horses, two goats, two donkeys, a sheep, and a pony from the property. Four of the rescued animals are currently under court hold, while the remaining dogs and cats are available for adoption at the Walker County Animal Shelter. The livestock have been transferred to a livestock rescue organization for care.

The property, previously listed for sale at $275,000, has since been condemned due to the hazardous conditions discovered within. The investigation is ongoing.