Linda Marie Humphris, 68, of Hebron, has been charged with 18 felony counts of animal cruelty after authorities allegedly discovered 17 dogs living in unsanitary conditions and an extremely emaciated horse at a residence in the 700 block of South County Road 200 West in rural Hebron.
According to court documents, concerns about the animals arose during an earlier visit to the residence on July 11.
Porter County Animal Control officers returned to the property at approximately 1:24 p.m. on August 18 to conduct an animal welfare check.
When officers entered the residence, they allegedly discovered 17 Lhasa Apso dogs confined in small, caged-in areas inside the home.
Court documents allege that fecal matter had accumulated inside the enclosed areas. The dogs had reportedly stepped in the waste and tracked it throughout their living space.
Animal control officers described an intense ammonia odor inside the residence. According to the probable-cause affidavit, the odor was so strong that officers could remain inside for only approximately 30 seconds at a time.
The dogs allegedly had dirty drinking water available to them. Officers also reported that the animals’ fur was stained with urine and feces.
Humphris was identified in court documents as the owner of the dogs. When officers asked her how many animals were inside the home, she allegedly could not provide a specific number.
During the same welfare check, officers discovered a horse named Gypsy on the property. Gypsy appeared extremely emaciated, according to the affidavit.
Animal control officers reportedly contacted the horse’s veterinarian while investigating Gypsy’s condition. The veterinarian allegedly said Gypsy had not been seen for a checkup since 2024.
The probable-cause affidavit states that the alleged neglect involved more than 10 vertebrate animals and occurred in the presence of children. The document does not identify the children, state how many children were present or provide additional details about their presence at the residence.
Charges filed August 26,2026:
Cruelty to an Animal – Ten or More Animals in Poor Conditions, Level 6 felony — 18 counts
