GEORGIA -- Upson County Animal Control officers responded to a case of animal cruelty Tuesday, August 7, after a call from a concerned neighbor.
Animal Control Officer Smart Web, two assistants from the Upson County Animal Control office and Upson County Sheriffs Department Deputy David Walker made a visit to a Denton Street residence where witnesses reported several dogs living in questionable conditions.
Upon arrival officers found four dogs, three male and one female, living in substandard conditions.
All were found without adequate water and food, and suffering from flea infestation. Three of the dogs were chained to trees and did not have access to housing in weather that has exceeded 100 degrees for over a week.
Authorities say the female dog had suffered the worst of the neglect. After observing, she was found to have an old wound, most likely a break to her foot, that was not treated by a veterinarian. This resulted in the foot “healing” itself and growing backward. She was forced to walk on only three feet because of the wound.
“After we had assessed all the dogs and were loading them up to take to the shelter, the owner arrived,” said Web. “ He was agitated by our presence and became somewhat irate.”
Web says the owner explained that the dogs had been there only for one night and had been moved there because the family was relocating. Others on the scene could not corroborate the owners story and witnesses to the neglect say the dogs have been suffering for well over two weeks, often crying out in the night, prompting neighbors to feed and water the neglected pets.
Authorities have charged Michael Ledford, 561 Denton Street, with one felony count of animal cruelty and three counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Ledford was also charged with four violations of the county ordinance because none of the dogs had records of rabies shots.
The dogs are currently being housed at the Thomaston-Upson Animal Shelter. According to Web, the owner will be served with a letter informing him of his rights to the animals and will have 10 days to answer before they become property of the shelter.
(Thomaston Times - August 13, 2007)
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