Animal Neglect Charges

NORTH CAROLINA -- Two Buncombe County dog owners are charged with animal neglect after complaints the pets were running free.

Animal Control officers posted written orders for the owners to feed and water three dogs on the property. But deputies say they picked up the dogs after those orders were ignored.

Debra and Rusty Pearson face charges of abandoning the animals and failing to comply with written orders.

Animal control Sergeant Jim Robinson took pictures of an abandoned house on Bennett Road in Candler surrounded by trash and debris. He says the dogs were not being cared for, and the dogs’ behavior could be alarming at times. He says they were able to forage for food, but had no shelter.

The black and white lab, a small black and tan terrier, and white pit bull mix were taken to the animal shelter. One of the three is in the adoption center. The other two are headed for adoption outside the state.

(WLOS - Dec 12, 2013)