A Marine and his wife are facing new felony animal cruelty charges after their court appearance Monday morning in Onslow County.

Lance Corporal Damian Irvin, 21, and Samantha Wesche, 19, are now charged with two felony counts of killing an animal by starvation.

The two were arrested last week after animal control officers removed 45 animals from their Forbes Estate Drive home.

There were initially charged with felony counts of cruelty to animals and 45 misdemeanor counts of mistreatment of animals. Both appeared in court Monday morning.

Onslow County Animal Services responded to an anonymous call of possible animal cruelty on May 15th in the 100 block of Forbes Estate Drive outside of Jacksonville.

OCAS found two dead kittens inside a freezer and a dead dog. Another dog was euthanized at the scene.

Officials also removed 29 dogs, 11 cats and one pig.

OCAS Director Howard Martin said the animals were found without proper food and water supplies.

Irvin and Wesche had been out of town since May 6th, according to county officials.

The two were released on $5,000 bonds.

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Two people are facing felony charges after animal services removed 45 animals from Jacksonville home.

Onslow County Animal Services (OCAS) responded to an anonymous call of possible animal cruelty on May 15th in the 100 block of Forbes Estate Drive in Jacksonville.

Officers reported detecting a strong odor coming from the residence and obtained a search/seizure warrant.

Upon entry of the residence, OCAS found a total of 45 animals on the property which included 31 dogs (2 deceased), 13 cats/kittens (2 deceased) and one pig.

Officers learned the residents have been out of town since May 6th and notified the owners who returned to Jacksonville on May 17th.

Damian Irvin, 21, and Samantha Wesche, 19, are facing felony counts of Cruelty to Animals and 45 misdemeanor counts of Mistreatment of Animals.

All animals are not available for adoption at this time but are in the care of the Onslow County Animal Services being evaluated.

Officials say an investigation is ongoing at this time and additional charges are pending in connection with this case.