75 animals seized at Cape home; filthy living conditions found

Cape Girardeau police and staff from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri seized 75 animals Tuesday from a residence on Boutin Drive, where officers say a child and her mother were living in "extreme filth."

Police and Humane Society workers spent around four hours removing several dogs, around 40 rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, rare birds including a peacock, and five goats from 2327 Boutin Drive. The owner of the home, Robin Peavler, 48, was charged Tuesday with misdemeanor animal abuse for an investigation police conducted at a home on West Cape Rock Drive. Missouri Casenet didn't list additional charges for the newest investigation by Wednesday night.

Many of the animals were caged and living in their own feces, according to Cape Girardeau nuisance abatement officer Ty Metzger.

"The ammonia smell was so strong," he said.

Additionally, rabbits were stored in cages, one on top of the other, and some were found in closed cardboard boxes.

Although this was the most animals they've ever recovered, Metzger said this wasn't the worst hoarding situation he has come across.

The owner told officers she had been homeschooling the child in the home for the last two years but couldn't provide documents to prove it.

Humane Society of Southeast Missouri shelter director Cheryle Dillon said bringing in that many animals at once put them at full capacity.

"It upsets us, it makes us mad, but hoarding is an illness, and until sometimes steps up to help this woman, she's not going to realize she has a problem," Dillon said. "The woman has a kind heart; her mind is just not in the right place."

The guinea pigs and two dogs are the only animals still being housed at the area shelter. The goats and chickens are being fostered by an area farmer, and four of the dogs have been adopted by families. The rabbits were picked up Wednesday by a rescue shelter in St. Louis.

ehevern@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent Addresses:

2327 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO

2536 Boutin Drive, Cape Girardeau, MO