A report of animal cruelty led to an investigation by a Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy on mid-morning Thursday, May 26.
The deputy arrived and found a total of 29 animals inside and outside of the house which were not being properly cared for a report states. None of the animals were vaccinated according to the owner, who told the deputy that none of them have ever been vaccinated.
The report states that there was one animal in the front of the house which was chained to a pallet. Nearby was a doghouse along with some food and water. This dog was a long haired breed that was matted and was, according to the deputy, “running with bugs”.
At the rear of the house was a 5 ft. by 12 ft. fenced area with about 14 dogs contained within it, the report states. These dogs had a shelter of a pallet with blankets over it. Continuous fighting was occurring with these dogs, which the owner would break up and then it would start again shortly after, according to the deputy.
Inside the house were three dogs running loose and 8 others that were locked in the master bedroom. The deputy’s report states that these dogs had one bowl of food and two small bowls of water available for all 11 of these animals. The house was covered in feces, including the carpets which were “matted down with feces smashed into them,” the report states.
Child Protective Services was contacted about the living conditions of the home where the owner said he and his 17-year-old son live.
The deputy encouraged the owner of the animals to seek help in taking care of the animals. The deputy did not make an arrest and no charges were filed due to the man being more overwhelmed with the number of dogs he had rather than purposely neglecting the animals, according to the report.
It was reported that the owner did seek help from the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center, where he surrendered 18 of the dogs for care on Friday. The dogs are reported to be in average health, none in poor condition. It was believed by bringing these animals in when the owner did, a larger problem was avoided. The animals are available for adoption at the center. Call the animal center at (325) 646 – 0617 for more information on adopting these animals.