A dog bite complaint at a Norfolk, Nebraska home leads to dozens of animal abuse neglect charges and the impounding of 23 animals. The owners of the animals were arrested and sent to jail. 35-year-old Christopher Walter, and 30-year-old Michelle Ziemer of Norfolk are charged with 4 counts of child abuse neglect, and 38 counts of animal cruelty neglect.     

According to police, last Friday, officers were investigating a complaint of a dog bite at 1213 Hayes Street, and when they got inside they found dozens of animals. There were also two children ages 3 and 5 inside the house. Police say the home was filled with the smell of animal feces, and they noticed dirt and debris on the floor. At one point, officers picked up a blanket, and a dead dog fell out. Found in the home, were 21 dogs, 3 cats, 1 hamster, 1 ferret, 1 chinchilla, 3 mice, 2 rabbits, 4 birds, 1 lizard, 2 turtles, and 2 fish tanks containing several fish.     

We spoke with Captain Leon Chapman of the Norfolk Police Department and he says, "the Health Department inspected the home and condemned the home, it's probably one of the worst in my 30 almost 37 year career."     

Police say the two children inside the home were picked up by a relative. The dog bite case that originally led police to the home remains under investigation.