EL RENO, Okla. (KFOR) – An El Reno couple is facing criminal charges after a total of 52 animals were seized from their home in April.
The El Reno Police Department says officers served a search warrant in the 1200 block of South Hoff Avenue on April 8 after getting a complaint about suspected animal neglect.
When officers served the warrant, alongside Animal Control Officers, police say they found the home to be in an unhealthy condition and unsafe for the animals. Court documents obtained by affiliate KFOR further detail allegations being made against Jay Silveria and Julie Silveria who lived inside the home.
Papers say more than 50 animals were found inside the homes of various species like dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, bearded dragons, turtles, fish in tanks, and even a bear. Papers say Animal Control Officers found the smell in the house so strong and overwhelming that it was hard to breathe.
The floor of the home, documents say, was completely covered in feces and numerous animals were locked in cages; unable to escape the filth.
Documents say a veterinarian with the Tulsa Humane Society told officers the living conditions alone were unclean and the animals did not have a safe environment to live in. An El Reno police major said they believed the house was unfit for humans and animals.
KFOR stopped by the home between hours posted on its front door since the city of El Reno has deemed it a public nuisance and it has been condemned. A notice on the door said owners of the property could stop by between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. to clean it. Jay Silveria was arrested in June but has since posted bond. Julie Silveria hasn’t been arrested yet. KFOR noticed multiple cars outside of the home, but no one came to the door when an employee knocked.
One neighbor told a KFOR employee off-camera that the couple should be ashamed of themselves.
The Canadian County District Attorney’s office has charged both Silverias with cruelty to animals.
