Town Seizes Sheep Living In Man's House

Associated Press via Local 6

Authorities seized a flock of sheep that had wandered away from a downtown home to graze on floral arrangements in the town cemetery. Animal neglect charges were pending Tuesday against the animals' owner, David Watts, who kept about 80 of the animals in his crumbling house in this Raleigh suburb, police said. "He lives upstairs and the sheep were living downstairs," police Sgt. Robert Towell said. "He considered them pets." Watts even walked some of the sheep around the neighborhood on a leash. About 30 sheep were euthanized because of ailing health, said Michael Williams, director of the Wake County Animal Care, Control and Adoption Center. Police were waiting to see if additional animals would be euthanized before determining the extent of the charges. Up to 30 healthy sheep could be available for adoption, officials said. Neighbors have long complained about the sheep. "All I want is to be able to sit on my front porch and not smell sheep poop," said Angie Fowler, who lives across the street. Mayor Keith Weatherly said the town council considered a proposal last year that would bar residents from keeping livestock, but it was never passed.

Jason's snark: Any quote that has poop in it is a good one.