STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WOIO/Gray News) – Authorities in Ohio say two people face charges after hundreds of bones and rats were found inside a home on Wednesday.
Police say they responded to a rental property in the Canton area after receiving a tip about the large number of rats inside the home.
According to authorities, more than 200 rats lived inside the home. Officials also found dogs, turtles and birds in the home.
Billy Jack Park, 45, and his roommate Kristie Hatton, 41, are facing charges that include animal cruelty.
Additionally, the house was filled with garbage, feces and urine.
Canton police said the human bones found inside the property still need to be examined by a forensic expert.
The city has given the property owner an ultimatum: repair the home or demolish it. City officials said the structure is unfit for human occupancy.
“It was bad. It was definitely not livable, and no person or animal should be in that condition.” Jackie Godbey, with the Stark County Humane Society, said. “It was probably one of the worst hoarding situations.”
The dogs, birds and turtles have since been taken in by rescue organizations.
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