Racine man facing several charges after three dogs, two cats found living in "deplorable" conditions

RACINE (WITI) -- A 52-year-old Racine man faces several charges in connection with the mistreatment of five animals -- found living in deplorable conditions at a home on Thurston Avenue.

Marco Lopez faces five counts of mistreating animals, five counts of failing to provide proper food and drink to confined animals and five counts of negligently providing improper animal shelter.

The animals were discovered on November 19th, after police responded to a report of a dog abandoned at the home.

A criminal complaint filed against Lopez says police noticed the gas and electric were off at the home, and no one was living there.

Three dogs and two cats were found inside the home -- living in deplorable conditions. The complaint says police found no food or water, and feces and urine throughout the home. The animals were seized from the home.

The complaint says Lopez was identified as the owner of the home, and Lopez had apparently been calling the Racine Police Department and the Wisconsin Humane Society trying to re-claim the animals. One of the animals had a microchip identifying Lopez as the owner.

Marco Lopez was set to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday, December 2nd.