Mom Accused Of Neglect Over Living Conditions For Kids

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- A local mother has been accused of child neglect and animal cruelty due to the conditions her five children were allegedly living in her home, authorities said.

Officers received reports of a child choking a dog, but when they responded, they said they found children with ages ranging from 1 to 14 years old living in "deplorable" conditions, with animal feces and trash strewn around the home and no food in the cupboards.

Lorena Apel, the single mother who cares for the children, said the home is messy but not as filthy as police described.

"I'm a single mom, I got 5 kids," Lorena said. "I want to move but I can't save money working 8 hours a day with 5 kids."

Animal control officers removed 2 dogs from the home and Child Protective Services took custody of all 5 children. Lorena was cited for child neglect and animal cruelty.