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Fayetteville woman facing 24 counts of animal cruelty, accused of torturing dogs

"The house and rooms were deemed to be too unsanitary for any living conditions for animals or humans," the report said.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions of animal abuse. 

Elkins Police Department (EPD) officers seized 24 malnourished dogs from a Fayetteville residence on June 20, according to a probable cause report. 

Vikki Davidson, 36, was arrested and booked into the Washington County Jail on 24 counts of animal cruelty on July 2. She is being held on a $10,000 bond. 

There was a family renting rooms in Davidson's house who reportedly contacted police after one of Davidson's 24 dogs had bitten a teen in the house on June 20. 

"Officers were aware of this residence due to numerous past complaints of dogs at large, unsanitary conditions, and drug activity," the report said. 

According to the report, Davidson has had 13 run-ins for dogs at large and unregistered dogs. Before the latest arrest, Davidson had 15 prior bookings, according to the Washington County Sheriff's Office. 

Details of the alleged animal abuse

The dog that allegedly bit the teen had "numerous puncture wounds on its face and head from being involved in a fight with another dog at the residence," the report said. 

Of the 24 dogs, there were 11 newborn puppies. Davidson is accused of keeping all the dogs in one room of the house "for days on end." When she did let them out, the report said they would defecate and urinate "all over the house."

The family reportedly told police that Davidson lived at the residence but would be gone for days at a time.

The report accuses Davidson of feeding the dogs uncooked rice and beans instead of dog food, which resulted in several dogs getting sick and dying. The family also said Davidson hadn't been paying the water bill, and because the house had no running water for over two weeks, the dogs had no water "for a long period of time." 

The family told police that Davidson would also abuse and "torture" the dogs by punching them in the head with brass knuckles and frying pans as well as kicking the smaller dogs, the report said.

Police seize 24 dogs

A man who was legally living at the house permitted officers to enter the home. 

"Upon entering the home, several officers began gagging and had to exit the home in order to avoid vomiting," the report said. 

According to the report, dog feces were on the floors, an overwhelming odor of urine, and trash all over the common areas and rooms where the dogs were kept. 

"The house and rooms were deemed to be too unsanitary for any living conditions for animals or humans," the report said. "The home was in such bad condition it had to be boarded up and all living beings removed for health and safety reasons."

Police seized 24 dogs from the home who were malnourished. Two of the dogs had to be "euthanized immediately."

Upon further investigation, the officers reportedly found other dead dogs on the property. According to the report, officers located a shallow grave where a small dog was buried, which had reportedly been partially eaten by the other dogs. 

"Another dog was found dead in a plastic bag inside a red cooler on the side of the house," the report said. 

Davidson is set to appear in court on July 22. 

According to the police department, a hearing is pending on the home's possible condemnation. 

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