MARION, Mass. — A Marion woman was arrested and her house was condemned following an investigation into concerns of animal cruelty.
On Monday, Marion Police received a report that multiple animals were being neglected and deceased animals had recently been removed from a home at 464 Front Street.
An investigation was launched and, on Wednesday, police got a search warrant for the home.
Police officers went to the house at around 11:16 a.m. along with animal control officers and representatives from the Animal Rescue League.
At the scene, officers said it “was evident the conditions were squalid." There were feces on the floor and on a mattress along with a strong, pervasive odor that permeated through the house.
“Trash throughout the house, animal waste in the bed,” said Jay McGrail, the Marion Town Administrator. “Insects prevalent throughout the home. Animal droppings. Rodent droppings in the basement.”
Throughout the 8-acre property, police found multiple unregistered vehicles, along with multiple dilapidated sheds and buildings.
Dozens of animals were located inside the house and on the property, including multiple miniature horses, potbelly pigs, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, hens, chickens, dogs, cats and exotic birds.
According to officials, the animals could be seen acting aggressively at times.
The animals were taken into custody of the Animal Rescue League. Authorities say the exact number of animals and types of animals that were found on the property is still unknown, but is estimated to be in the dozens.
Lauren Fisher, 65, was arrested and charged with two counts of animal cruelty, interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest. Fisher was home at the time of the search and was placed under arrest when she allegedly became disruptive and interfered with the investigating officers.
The investigation showed that at least five people, including children, had also been living in the home. The Department of Children and Families was notified and the children will be placed with a relative.
Fisher’s son, however, says this is all a big misunderstanding.
According to her son, Fisher fosters children and loves animals.
“She takes in rescue animals, which she also cares for very deeply,” Fisher’s son told Boston 25 News. “She brings them in as sick and nurtures them into healthy creatures. She does it from the bottom of her heart.”
Fisher’s son, who asked neither his name or his face be depicted in this story, said authorities are just trying to paint a bad picture of his mother.
“She’s one of the most caring people I know,” he said. “She took in foster kids, anyone who needs a place to stay. Lauren is a loving mother who does everything in her power to take care of her six children and her four grandchildren.”
When asked about the conditions the house was found in, her son said, “it’s wintertime, and conditions get tough. Weather is an issue here in Mass.”
Fisher posted bail on Wednesday evening and is expected to be arraigned in Wrentham District Court in the morning.
The child authorities found on the property at the time of the search has been placed with another relative.
Police continue to investigate this matter. They say Fisher is known to them.