Brunswick police seized 44 dogs and a bird from two River Road dog breeders and charged them with animal cruelty Friday after finding the animals living in squalid, unhealthy conditions.
“The Maine state veterinarian determined that due to the condition of the premises and animals, immediate seizure was necessary and 44 dogs and a bird were taken into custody,” said Brunswick Police Cmdr. Mark Waltz.
The town’s health officer, Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Emerson, condemned the home saying it was cluttered and unfit for human habitation, in part due to an “abundance of feces and urine.”
Emerson said police asked him to examine the property at 1024 River Road for fire, safety and sanitation problems Friday after officers searched the home.
Emerson said he found multiple fire and safety concerns, including electrical and accessibility problems. He condemned the home because sanitation concerns made it unsafe for human habitation. He also condemned an occupied camper on the property due to unsanitary living conditions and code compliance issues.
The two breeders, Kyle Enman and Diana Enman, were issued summonses Saturday for Class D crimes including cruelty to animals, failing to give animals humanely clean conditions, failing to give animals proper indoor shelter, failing to give animals necessary medical attention, and failing to give animals necessary sustenance, according to police.
All the dogs are being kept at the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, according to a Coastal Humane Society staff member.
The family owns Enman Field Disc Golf. Though an “open” sign hung at the end of the road Sunday, a man who identified himself as the owner’s son said it was closed and declined to comment on the animal abuse investigation.
Kyle and Diana Enman are scheduled for arraignment on Nov. 6 in West Bath District Court. Class D crimes are punishable by up to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.
Waltz said the investigation is ongoing and that more people likely will face charges.
Police ask that anyone with information related to this case contact Brunswick Officer Kerry Wolongevicz at (207) 725-5521.
John Bott, spokesman for the Maine Animal Welfare Program, said the agency is assisting in the investigation, as well as with caring for the animals until the court decides who gets custody. Bott would not comment on the condition of the dogs, saying that the case is still under investigation.
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