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WOODS CROSS — A couple evicted from the house they were renting were arrested Sunday after police discovered three "extremely emaciated" dogs left abandoned in the vacant residence.
Cody Lucero, 28, and Shaleesa Lucero, 24, were booked into the Davis County Jail for investigation of three counts each of animal cruelty.
The Luceros were evicted from their Woods Cross house, 1723 S. 1200 West, on Thursday, according to police. A neighbor called police on Sunday concerned that three dogs in need of help were left inside.
When an officer arrived, he could see the dogs through a back door, said Woods Cross officer Jen Hicks. There was feces and diarrhea all about the house, and no food or water, she said.
"All of the ribs were poking out of the dogs," Hicks said.
A search warrant was obtained to enter the residence and a 3-year-old German shepherd, a 9-year-old golden Lab mix and a 7-year-old pit bull mix, were removed with assistance from Davis County Animal Control. The dogs were able to walk out on their own power, but they were in need of "immediate attention," Hicks said. The Lab-mix was particularly sick, she said.
As of Sunday night, the dogs' current condition was not known.
Police tracked down the Luceros and arrested them. Hicks said Cody Lucero claims he didn't have a way to transport the dogs to the animal shelter after they were evicted.
Although police say they were evicted four days earlier, Hicks said it was obvious that the animals were malnourished for much longer than that.
"From the appearance of the dogs, they've clearly not been given food and have been without water for some time," she said.
An eviction notice was originally filed in 2nd District Court against the Luceros on Sept. 29, according to court records.
