Woman accused of starving animal to death; dozens of dogs rescued

LEICESTER, N.C. (FOX Carolina) - The Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office said more than two dozen dogs were rescued from a home in Leicester after a search warrant was executed on Tuesday.

Deputies said they found animals at a home on Tall Tree Lane suffering from neglect.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) said they helped rescue 40 dogs from the house along with a tortoise, a rabbit, a fish, and several birds. According to officials with the ASPCA, they are helping with the investigation and supporting the animals seized from the scene.

Lindsey Trevor Rue was arrested and is charged with animal cruelty, child neglect, killing an animal by starvation and resist/obstruct/delay. Additional charges could be filed.

“The ASPCA has deep roots in Western North Carolina, so when we learned these animals were suffering and in need of immediate intervention, we quickly mobilized to ensure they could be brought to safety and receive the care they deserve,” said Teresa Ladner, senior director of Investigations for the ASPCA.

Sheriff Quentin Miller said the arrest was the result of a long-term investigation.