The Marion Board of Health held an emergency meeting on December 12 to vote to condemn a Front Street house where police on Monday found animals suffering from neglect and unsanitary conditions in and around the home.
In a memorandum written by Marion Health Director Karen Walega and read into the record, Walega said she was asked to accompany Marion Police and Marion Building Commissioner Scott Shippey on a site visit on December 11 after police obtained a search warrant to enter 464 Front Street.
Walega said she observed at least one dead animal on the property, trash throughout the house, animal feces in beds and on the floors, rodent droppings in the basement, a pervasive odor throughout the house, inadequate egress in rooms, and the house was infested with insects.
Walega also submitted some photos she took with her phone to the Board of Health, photos offered to The Wanderer, which we declined to publish.
“Based upon the above-noted observations and as the Health Agent… I concluded and remain of the opinion that the dwelling unit at 464 Front Street… is unfit for human habitation, is unsafe, and is a threat to the health and safety of the occupants…” said Walega. “It is further my opinion that the level of risk posed by the condition of said dwelling unit requires me to order the condemnation of said dwelling unit, effective immediately…”
The property owner will be allowed to enter the property between certain specified hours for the purpose of remedying the public health threats Walega described.
“These pictures are very self-explanatory,” said Board of Health member Dot Brown, before motioning to condemn the house.
The Town reserves the authority to demolish the home if after one year the property owner has not brought the home into compliance with the minimum standards of the Sanitary Code of Marion.
Police have charged property owner Lauren Fisher with two counts of animal cruelty, and was also charged with interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest.
During her arraignment at Wareham District Court of December 13, Fisher pleaded not guilty and was freed on bail and told she is not allowed to possess any animals at this time.
The search warrant resulted from an investigation that began with a December 9 report that multiple animals were being neglected and dead animals had recently been removed from the property, according to a press release the town issued on December 11.
Dozens of animals were found inside the house and on the property, including several miniature horses, potbelly pigs, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, chickens, dogs, cats, and exotic birds.
According to police, at least five people were living in the home on December 11 when police arrived, including children who have since been relocated and placed with relatives.
The children were not present during the time of the investigation of the property.
In 2000, Fisher was charged with 48 counts of animal cruelty after police raided her home and took custody of over 80 animals and six children.
Her next court date is scheduled for January 24, 2020.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Marion Board of Health will be January 7 at 3:00 pm at the Marion Town House.
Marion Board of Health
By Jean Perry