108 exotic and domestic animals found in ‘deplorable’ conditions, Coast sheriff says
A Saucier couple was arrested Wednesday after deputies found more than 100 animals on their property, ranging from dogs and cats to exotic animals like a pale fox and monkey.
Sharon Bertok, 57, and Daniel Bertok, 50, face five counts of animal cruelty, Sheriff Troy J. Peterson said in a news release.
Deputies arrived at the home on Wright Road at about 8:30 a.m. with a search warrant, and found many species of animals in “deplorable living conditions.
Harrison County Animal Control, assisted by the Humane Society of South Mississippi and Wild at Hearts Rescue, removed a total of 108 animals from the property.
The list of animals includes
- 69 Dogs
- 7 Cats
- 1 Pale Fox
- 1 Hedgehog
- 1 Skunk
- 15 Birds
- 1 Monkey
- 1 Pig
- 5 Goats
- 1 Miniature Donkey
- 6 Miniature Horses
The dogs, cats and birds were taken to the Humane Society of South Mississippi in Gulfport, said development director Katie King.
The non-domestic animals were taken to the animal rescue on County Farm Road in Harrison County.
The Bertoks were released in lieu of bond.