Wednesday, July 16th 2014, 11:57 pm
It's a criminal case of déjà vu after more than 100 animals were seized this month from an Oklahoma couple with a history of animal abuse.
Anne Duhon and her husband Shane were convicted of animal cruelty in 2011. The couple were able to avoid prison time on the condition they’re not to own any kind of animal for five years.
Anne admitted to News on 6 that she defied a judge's order, but denied the rabbits, dogs and chickens in her possession were in jeopardy.
"I am well-versed in animal care, nothing has ever been abused in my care," Anne said.
The couple had 79 animals seized from their property in Latimer County when it was raided in 2011. Law enforcement said many of the dogs, cats and horses were malnourished and in need of veterinary care.
7/1/2011 Related Story: Couple Arrested For Animal Cruelty In Latimer County Rescue Group Raid
The Duhons have since moved to Leflore County and that's where animal rescuers said the couple was found with dozens of animals.
Last week, more than 100 animals, mostly rabbits, were found caged in what animal advocate, Ruth Steinberger, called “deplorable conditions.”
"It is absolutely heartbreaking," Steinberger said. "This is something that needs to be monitored, once this happens, very often it happens again."
Animal rescuers said the Duhons were breeding and selling rabbits on piece of property near Heavener. They said Anne was operating a Facebook page to sell the animals under an alias and going to animal auctions.
Rescuers said PETA eventually caught wind of what was happening and contacted county deputies.
Steinberger said the criminal issues aren’t the only issue that needs to be addressed.
"Hoarders, something goes off in their mind and they can't get enough," Steinberger said. "They want things to depend on them and then they fail them."
Anne said she has never harmed an animal, only helped them, but wouldn't say why she ignored the judge's order banning her from owning animals of any kind for five years.
"I don't think it's any of your damn business, nor do I think it's any of the world's damn business," said Anne.
Since she was arrested a second time, we asked her if it was worth it.
"I could never explain that to you, yes or no. I'm not gonna attempt to answer that question. That's a personal decision," Anne said.
The Duhons are now out of jail.
We called prosecutors to ask if, or when, charges could come, but the district attorney is out of town.
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