Animal cruelty investigation in Burke County

A North Carolina woman is facing 23 counts of animal cruelty after dozens of neglected or abandoned animals were recovered across multiple properties this month, Burke County Animal Services Center announced Monday.

A total of 49 miniature horses and 39 chickens are now in the hands of the county's Animal Services Center. Officials estimate it will cost $21,000 in just the first month to nurse these animals back to health.

Since Jan. 18, officials have recovered the animals from multiple properties in Burke County. They have charged Julie Ann Sherrill with 23 counts of animal cruelty.

Some of the horses were suffering from cockleburs, according to officials.

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Among the recovered horses are nine animals that were being cared for by a good Samaritan, who had been "paying out of pocket to care for the animals" after not hearing from Sherrill since November, according to officials.

“Whatever the animals, staff or volunteers need, it will be provided," Burke County Commission Chair Scott Mulwee said in a statement.