The woman charged in a disturbing case of animal hoarding involving over 100 dead animals faced Judge Russell D. Kegley in Portsmouth Municipal Court on Monday to answer two health code violations filed against her by the Portsmouth City Health Department.
Judge Kegley set a pre-trial hearing date of April 16 for Joyce Nixon. Fourteen years ago, officials discovered 69 living dogs and dead dogs stored in totes in a feces-encrusted house in the West Union home she shared with her mother. At that time, Nixon faced 55 counts of companion animal abuse.
History repeated itself last week when officers seized 35 living animals and over 100 dead ones from the Scioto Trail home Ms. Nixon shared with her mother. Once again, cats and dogs were found living in a feces-encrusted nightmare with animal rescue workers, and police found plastic totes stuffed with dead animals around the house.
Officials say Nixon slept on the porch of the home while her mother slept in a car as they loaded up the house with dozens of cats and dogs. Neighbors say they complained to the city, but no one took action.
As of now, Nixon is charged with health code violations due to the condition of the home. More charges are expected to be filed.
