Two Lawrence residents are in the Van Buren County Jail after officers discovered an extreme animal hoarding situation in the 56-thousand block of 52nd Avenue. Acting on an animal cruelty tip, they found more than 100 dogs, 8 cats and one horse on the property, many not being properly cared for. Officers raided the property on Tuesday, and it took more than eight hours and 10 officers to gather up all of the animals. Many were underweight with mange, fleas, body deformities and other injuries. Deputies call the condition of the home and the living conditions for the animals “horrendous,” with animal waste everywhere inside and out. Donald Smith and Melissa Copen are each facing a felony charge of abandoning or cruelty to 10 or more animals, with additional charges possible.
