Baldwin County DA Hallie Dixon to review animal abuse case

BAY MINETTE, Ala. (WALA) - A court order closing down Purple Hearted Puppies is taped to the door, while the stench of what Baldwin County authorities discovered lingers in the air.  

Summerdale Police found 200 animals dead or malnourished at this shelter, some had resorted to cannibalism just to stay alive.

More animals were discovered by the Robertsdale Police Department at the owner's Robertsdale home.

Baldwin County District Attorney Hallie Dixon called the scenes atrocious.

"To watch animals starve to death and decompose in a cage which is horrific to me, that they are in a cage and unable to help themselves,” Dixon said.

The district attorney’s office is now gathering evidence she hopes will yield felony charges against the owner Roberta Dueitt and her daughter Sharon.

Dixon said the Robertsdale case could prove to be the strongest case for felony charges since it was their personal home and 27 animals were found there.

Dixon said Alabama law requires a lot of factors must be met to warrant a felony.

"It has to be a cat or a dog, which it is; law requires proof of torture, appears to fit that. But of course, it is an ongoing investigation. We have to look into a bunch of different aspects, including financial situation and other things because we are always have to prove intent,” Dixon said.

Dixon said the financial situation will help paint a picture that the Dueitt's had the ability to care for the animals, but did not. Dixon said it helps to prove intent.