Dozens more allegedly neglected animals, including cats, fish, chickens and ducks, were seized from the Hamilton County man who a judge accused of sleeping through court proceedings a week ago.
David “Capt. Dave” Eck, 74, is now facing an aggravated cruelty to animals charge following his Saturday arrest on a charge of aggravated criminal trespassing at a property off Suck Creek Road, according to an arrest report. He’s also accused of two counts each of animal cruelty and livestock at large and one count each of animal abuse and aggravated trespassing.
“In today’s circumstances, it appeared these animals were living with him in his houseboat as companions, rather than as farm animals,” an arrest report said. “These conditions were not only uninhabitable for a human person but for any living being, including the animals.”
PROPERTY SEARCH
Hamilton County sheriff’s deputy Amanda Lane said in an arrest report that Eck had a ritualistic habit of purchasing livestock at animal auctions. Lane detailed alleged deplorable living conditions on the property and inside Eck’s houseboat nearby.