A pet cemetery gave clients ashes that were not their animals, sheriff’s investigators said.
Tazewell County Sheriff's Office seized the bodies of 12 animals in total. Some of the carcasses were found July 21 in non-working freezers outside Katy's Pet Cemetery, according to WMBD.
Some of them were microchipped. When investigators contacted owners, they said they had already received the ashes of their pets.
Investigators questioned owner Joseph Abts. He has since died by suicide, according to WMBD. The cemetery owner also operated a mortuary. Deputies said their investigation never questioned human cremation methods.
Because of Abts’ death, the investigation was closed. Officials are continuing to make arrangements to return remains to pet owners.
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