A Fernley couple who are both teachers at Silverland Middle School were arrested July 19 on charges of child abuse or neglect and animal neglect after deputies responded to a 911 call from a child.
Donald Speth, 57, and Trista Speth, 54, were arrested after deputies responding to a home on Stallion Ct. following a 911 call by a child determined the home was unsafe for the children and animals living there.
Deputies responded to the home at 4:04 p.m. July 19 after the child called 911 and complained about mice in the home. Deputies said the child’s mother took the phone and said everything was okay.
Deputies said they were given consent to enter the home and immediately noticed the strong odor of urine and animal feces. They described the home as being in “deplorable” condition with mouse feces, dog urine and dog feces spread on the floor, and trash scattered throughout the home.
The deputies also said there were two large dogs in kennels that were stepping on their own feces and urine. Fernley Animal Services also responded and determined that two dogs and two guinea pigs were severely neglected and that the dogs did not have regular access to food or water.
Deputies said they also saw two dead mice in a bathtub and multiple mice running throughout the house, as well as mouse feces on the kitchen floors and counters, including on kitchen utensils and pans.
A deputy reported that a representative of the Division of Child and Family Services wouldn’t be able to respond until the next day, so the children were placed in a safe environment.
Both Donald and Trista Speth were transported to the Lyon County Jail in Yerington, and bail was set at $154,140.
The Lyon County School District said they were both placed on administrative leave.

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