Police: Dozens Of Neglected Dogs Found At Penrose Woman’s Home

A Penrose woman accused of neglecting dozens of dogs, including several puppies, is facing 37 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty.

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office says deputies seized 37 dogs, mostly Australian cattle dog mixes, from 58-year-old Demaris "Dee" Chess' home on Tuesday. Many of the dogs were emaciated and dehydrated.

A veterinarian treated several of the animals with fluids and for minor injuries before they were taken to two local animal shelters.

Bret Smith, an investigator for the Colorado Humane Society, says Chess had the opportunity to correct the situation but chose to ignore it.

A phone number listed for Chess has been disconnected.