Man charged after dogs found in trash can

TENNESSEE -- A man has been charged with animal cruelty after an official says six dogs were found in a trash can outside of his house.

Police in Johnson City cited 50-year-old Gary Eugene Bailey on Friday after animal control workers found a live puppy and five dead dogs in the trash can.

Animal Control Director Debbie Dobbs told the Johnson City Press that her officers responded to Bailey's house after receiving a citizen complaint.

"We were called out there when someone had noticed that there was crying coming from a garbage can," Dobbs said. "When we checked out what was going on, there were five dead dogs, and a puppy underneath them."

In addition to the puppy found in the garbage can, Dobbs said seven more living animals were found inside Bailey's house.

"They are being cared for as of right now, so we are leaving them there," Dobbs said. "We wanted to remove the animals, but there is a family member who is taking care of them. But we will be monitoring the situation every day."

Bailey was in the Washington County Detention Center on unrelated charges of public intoxication and violating probation when the animals were found.

Jail records did not list an attorney for Bailey.

(TriCities.com - Mar 9, 2014)