Clay County Woman Charged in Animal Cruelty Case After Three Dogs Rescued

HAYESVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 8, 2025) — A Hayesville woman has been charged with animal cruelty after Clay County Sheriff’s deputies rescued three malnourished dogs found chained and living in filth, according to a news release from the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded on Oct. 2 to a home at 1269 East Vineyard Road, where they found three dogs described as “starving, completely helpless, and living in filth.” The dogs’ owner, identified as Zera Crapse, 42, lived at the residence, the sheriff’s office said.

Dr. Lawler of Big Bear Veterinary Clinic examined the dogs and determined they were emaciated and met the criteria for animal cruelty. Crapse voluntarily surrendered the animals, which were then taken to the Valley River Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that contracts with Clay County. The shelter will care for the dogs and eventually place them for adoption.

Crapse was arrested Oct. 6 and charged with cruelty to animals, a Class I misdemeanor, for depriving the dogs of necessary sustenance. She was released on a $2,500 secured bond, the release stated.

“If any one of these dogs had died, Crapse might well have been facing felony charges,” the sheriff’s office said in the release. “There is absolutely no excuse for any domesticated animal to be treated like these three dogs were treated.”

Sgt. Ethan Henderson, Officer Sean Stout, and Lt. Bruce Moore led the investigation and rescue operation.