Suffolk woman in animal trouble again

SUFFOLK, Va. - Jennifer Harrell can't seem to get enough of animals. The Suffolk woman has 60 of them now. Chickens, goats, horses and rabbits all wandering inside a wire pen on her property. She also can't seem to avoid repeat visits and criminal charges from animal control. The latest came when concerns over the conditions of the horses brought officers to the home.

"The rabbits not having adequate water. The dogs being kept in a playpen with a tarp on them. Not having adequate water, not having adequate shelter, not having rabies vaccinations," says Suffolk City spokesperson Debbie George.

Harrell is facing 13 charges stemming from Monday's visit. Including four counts of Animal Cruelty for the rabbits.

Off her property and thriving are Harrell's horses that were found tied to trees in September off Wilroy Road. WAVY.com was the only camera there as rescuers removed the animals and what a difference time makes.

"They're looking so good. Two of them look like they've never been skinny," says Kirsty Reyes. She's caring for the horses.

When they came to her farm, their bones were visible and they could barely move. WIthin days, a vet had to euthanize one of the horses. Harrell is charged with five counts of Animal Cruelty in this case.

Healthy enough now, two horses are ready to be adopted. Reyes plans to keep the painted mare and the new addition coming to the farm.

"We had an inkling, the vet said he thought she might be pregnant and it turns out she is pregnant," says Reyes. The baby already has a name, Phoenix.

If you're interested in adopting the remaining horses, contact Suffolk Animal Control at (757) 514-7855.

Harrell will be in court December 7 for the horse case and will be in court again on the 17th to face charges in the latest incident.