Marion Woman Arrested for Animal Cruelty, House Condemned

MARION — A Marion woman has been arrested and her house was condemned following an investigation into animal cruelty Wednesday.

Lauren Fisher, 65, of Marion was charged with two counts of animal cruelty, one count of interfering with a police officer, and one count of resisting arrest, according to a joint release issued by Police Chief John Garcia and Town Administrator James McGrail.

They say the investigation remains active and ongoing and Fisher will likely face additional charges. She is expected to be arraigned Thursday in Wareham District Court.

On Monday, Dec. 9, Marion Police received a report that multiple animals were being neglected and deceased animals had been recently removed from a property at 464 Front Street.

Marion Police opened an investigation, and today, detectives obtained a search warrant to search Fisher’s property and home. Her house sits off the road behind another home on approximately eight acres of land.

At 11:16 a.m. today, Marion Police went to the property to serve the warrant, along with Marion Animal Control Officer Susan Connor and representatives from the Animal Rescue League.

Upon arrival at the home, police say it was immediately evident that the conditions were squalid, with feces visible on the floor of the home and on a mattress and a strong, pervasive odor was noted in the home. A Marion Board of Health Agent was called to respond to the scene and ordered that the house be condemned due to the conditions inside.

Elsewhere on the property, there were multiple unregistered vehicles located, along with multiple dilapidated sheds and outbuildings. The town’s Building Commissioner was called to the scene.

Dozens of animals were located inside of the home and on the property, including multiple miniature horses, potbelly pigs, ducks, rabbits, turkeys, hens, chickens, dogs, cats and exotic birds.

The animals were taken into the custody of the Animal Rescue League. The exact number of animals and types of animals on the property is still being determined, but it is estimated to be in the dozens.

Fisher was at home at the time of the search and was placed under arrest when she allegedly became disruptive and interfered with the investigating officers.

The investigation determined that there were at least five people living in the home, including children. The Department of Children and Families was notified and arrangements were being made for the children to be placed with a relative.

Fisher is known to police, and it's not the first time her home has been raided for such allegations. According to the Standard-Times, Fisher's Front Street property was raided 20 years ago in December of 1999, finding "Ms. Fisher’s six children living barefoot amid the filth of more than 80 malnourished animals." The house was also condemned at that time, after investigators found "animal feces, flies, trash, urine and clothes mixed to create a malodorous mess." The children were given to DSS on a temporary basis at that time.

The newest case remains under investigation by the Marion Police Department, and further information will be provided when it becomes available.