Lancaster County deputies find abused, neglected dogs at illegal breeding farm

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Over 20 abused and neglected dogs were recovered Tuesday after deputies with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office uncovered an illegal dog breeding operation.

And the property owner has been convicted of animal neglect before.

Deputies initially responded to a call at a northwest Lancaster County home in September to investigate a dog bite complaint from a delivery person.

Julia Hudson, 70, was identified as the owner of the dog.  At the time, she was unable to show proof of any rabies vaccination and was cited.

“While deputies were on the scene and they cited her for that violation, they also discovered that Hudson was operating an unlicensed dog breeding facility where there were more than 20 dogs on scene, and many of the dogs were living in unsanitary conditions,” Capt. Tommy Trotter said.

Hudson did have a license at one point, but it was no longer valid.

Because many of the dogs were in unsanitary conditions, the sheriff’s office launched an animal abuse and neglect investigation.

Over the past two months, law enforcement and Nebraska’s Department of Agriculture have been working with Hudson to ensure that the dogs were at least clean and fed.

On Tuesday, deputies returned to the home to check on Hudson and the dogs.

When they arrived, 28 dogs were on the property, some of which were covered in feces and living outdoors in the cold.  Other dogs were locked in kennels and in a garage.

Hudson threatened to use her dogs against the deputies and tried to push them away, the sheriff’s office said.

After she was detained, deputies received a search warrant for the property.

Hudson was arrested on suspicion of making terroristic threats and obstructing a government operation.

The Capital Humane Society is currently taking care of the dogs.

It said initial veterinary checkups show the dogs are in relatively good health, but the shelter will know more once the dogs are de-matted.

The dogs currently take up 30% of the society’s intake facility, but they won’t be adopted any time soon.

“We have to wait for the court proceedings to progress,” Executive Director Matt Madcharo said. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to take custody and ownership of the dogs, spay and neuter them and get them up for adoption. But at this point, it’s a waiting game.”

This isn’t the first time Hudson has been accused of animal cruelty. Similar charges were filed in 2013.

She was convicted, put on probation and banned from owning dogs for two years.

Channel 8 did reach out to Hudson for comment but was unsuccessful.

The sheriff’s office is still investigating Hudson on the grounds of animal abuse, neglect and operating an unlicensed animal facility. More charges could be brought against her once those investigations are complete.