A Cochise County woman has been arrested on suspicion of multiple counts of animal cruelty and neglect, officials say.
Jill Houchens, 56, was arrested Monday on 27 felony counts and 119 misdemeanor counts after 24 animals were removed from her home, including five that were dead, the Cochise County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
Houchens was known to operate an animal rescue and pet sit for people in and around the area, the release said.
An investigation started earlier this month after a report alleging animal cruelty at Houchens' home, the release said. Several animals were found on the property described as having "significant unsanitary conditions." Several neglected animals were found in areas of the home filled with feces and no water or food was found for them, the release said.
Dead animals were also found in a freezer.
The investigation is ongoing.
