Henderson County Woman Charged with 15 Counts Felony Animal Cruelty

Henderson County -- Press Release Henderson County Sheriff's Office: Woman charged with 15 counts Felony Animal Cruelty, 3 counts Misdemeanor Animal Cruelty, 7 counts Misdemeanor Failure to Bury Deceased

Canine and Misdemeanor Resisting Public Officer,  March 5, 2025 – Detective Moore and Deputy Leahy responded to a report of three Saint Bernard dogs running at large in Horse Shoe. Upon locating the dogs, the officers contacted their owner, Stacy Rose, who was asked to retrieve the canines. However, due to the condition of the animals, Detective Moore and Deputy Leahy accompanied Rose to her residence for further investigation.

Rose is listed on the Henderson County registry for owning more than 10 canines, which allows for inspections of her property. Upon arriving at her home, Rose led officers to a shed where the three dogs had been kept. The shed’s condition was deemed deplorable, with feces covering the floor. In addition, the officers discovered seven deceased canines in trash bags, most showing signs of severe decomposition.

After further investigation, Rose voluntarily surrendered the three dogs that had been running at large. Detective Moore then looked inside the residence, where other dogs were being kept under similar conditions. A search warrant was obtained and executed, resulting in the seizure of 15 canines—10 from inside the home and five from the backyard. 

Following her arrest, Rose appeared before a magistrate, who set a secured bond at $126,500. She has since been released, after posting bond.

Law Enforcement does not determine the conditions of release. Only a judicial official, such as a magistrate or judge, has the authority to set a bond or other conditions for release. For further details regarding this case, please visit nccourts.gov/

Sheriff Griffin extends his gratitude to our Animal Enforcement team and all those who assisted, as we continue to remain vigilant in ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in Henderson County.

We encourage the community to report any animal cruelty or neglect concerns to our office or you can use the “submit a tip” feature available 

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

Stacy Rose

Cover Image: WNCTimes