ZANESVILLE, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—A 61-year-old Norwich woman is facing 140 felony charges following a massive animal rescue operation in Muskingum County that uncovered more than 100 animals living in deplorable conditions.

Marsha Lee Hatfield was indicted on July 30 on 140 counts of cruelty to companion animals, all of which are fifth-degree felonies carrying forfeiture specifications. Hatfield appeared in court on August 5 and entered a plea of not guilty. A trial is currently scheduled for October 27, with Judge Kelly Cottrill presiding. Hatfield was briefly held in the Muskingum County Jail following her indictment.

The charges stem from a two-part seizure operation conducted on June 16 and 24. The Muskingum County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the Licking County and Muskingum County humane societies, executed the rescues at Hatfield’s South Cove Lane residence after receiving reports of animals living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions.

Authorities reported finding animals kept in crates filled with urine and feces, many without access to food or water. The investigation also led to the grim discovery of five deceased dogs and one cat wrapped in plastic bags inside a freezer. One dog, found in critical condition, was later humanely euthanized.

The wide variety of animals rescued included dozens of dogs representing numerous breeds and mixes, such as Australian Shepherds, French Bulldogs, Wheaten Terriers, Great Danes, and various Poodle and Terrier mixes. Additionally, officials recovered several cats and three exotic birds: a conure parrot, a cockatiel, and a blue macaw.

Following the seizure, the animals were distributed between the Licking County Humane Society and the Muskingum County K-9 Adoption Center. While more than 20 chickens, four dogs, and the macaw were previously returned to Hatfield, the remaining animals have been undergoing care and rehabilitation. 

The Licking County Humane Society reports that it was awarded 41 of the 42 dogs originally brought to its shelter, with many already finding new homes through adoption. Similarly, many of the animals placed with the Muskingum County K-9 Adoption Center have since been rescued by new owners.