Apex House Where Sheep Were Seized Is Condemned

APEX, N.C. — The town of Apex on Wednesday condemned a house where animal control seized more than 70 neglected sheep last week.

Inspectors found holes in the ceiling, broken windows and no running water on the first floor of the house owned by David Watts at 205 W. Moore St.

Watts has until Tuesday to fix the issues, including removing carcasses and bones from around the house. He is also required to scrape the ground clean to eliminate the smell.

If he does not meet the deadline, the town will hire a contractor for the cleanup and send the Watts the bill. If he does not pay the bill, the town will go after a lien against the property.

Watts faces 30 counts of animal cruelty after 30 of his sheep were euthanized because they were severely ill. If convicted, he faces up to 45 days in jail on each count.

On March 26, police found 78 sheep living inside and outside of Watts' property near downtown Apex.

Thirty-five sheep were taken to a local farm to be nursed back to health. Fifteen were being watched by a rescue group. After they recover, they will be put up for adoption.

On Tuesday, the Apex Town Council approved a new ordinance banning all livestock, with the exception of horses, within the town limits. It takes effect June 1.