70°F
weather icon Windy

Exotic animals in substandard living conditions at Pahrump home removed, owner cited

A Pahrump resident was cited Thursday after allegedly housing several exotic animals in substandard living conditions.

Jacki Freeman, 57, was charged with a preliminary misdemeanor count of animal cruelty by the Nye County Sheriff’s Office, but wasn’t arrested.

The sheriff’s office received multiple reports that exotic animals living at a property on Black Rock Street were not being cared for properly.

The residence does posses a special conditions animal permit, which allows them to keep special conditions animals per Nye County Code Title 6.

On the property there were eight Canadian Siberian Lynx Hybrid Cats, two African Lionesses, a African Lion, a Bengal Tiger, a Black Panther, a Fennec Fox and a Cervel Caracal Hybrid Cat.

Freeman and Abby Hedengran are responsible for the care and custody of the animals. The two suspects are involved in litigation with each other. Only Freeman was issued a citation for animal cruelty as she was the current individual having custody of the animals.

Nye County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Officers, deputies, and officers with the Nevada Division of Wildlife responded to the scene. Upon arriving sheriff’s Deputies made entry into the residence with the consent of the owner via telephone.

After entering the home, law enforcement officials discovered several cats that were in below standard living conditions.

The animals were locked in bedrooms and had been urinating and defecating on the walls and carpet, according to police.

The sheriff’s office described the air quality inside of the bedrooms as “horrific.” The homeowner claimed that the cats are a Canadian Siberian Lynx Hybrid which is not a species that requires a permit in Nye County.

An investigation into their specific species is being conducted by the Nevada Department of Wildlife.

The Fennec Fox held in the home is a violation of Nevada Administrative Code, police said.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife is handling the investigation relating to the Fennec Fox and will determine the appropriate placement for the animal.

As result of the possession of the illegal fox and the unsatisfactory living conditions of the cats inside the house, all of the special conditions animals on the property were seized while the special conditions animal permit is reviewed.

Sheriff’s deputies and animal control officers are still investigating the case and working on placement at a USDA approved sanctuary for the seized animals.

As the investigation continues the sheriff’s office will present the findings to the Nye County Board of County Commissioners relating to the special conditions animal permit. The board will then set a show cause hearing on whether to permanently revoke the special conditions animal permit.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.