Pet grooming business owner turns himself in on animal cruelty charges

ALABAMA -- The owner of a pet grooming business in downtown Birmingham charged with animal cruelty has turned himself in to  the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

Scott Alan Kirkland, 45, owns Head to Tail Animal Care 4915 5th Avenue South in Birmingham.

 

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says they learned in early May that his business was operating as an animal shelter and adoption center. The sign on the business lists both Head to Tail Animal Care and the Birmingham Animal Adoption Rescue Center (BAARC).

Deputies searched his pet grooming business on June 12 and removed 13 dogs and two cats from the business.

 

 

The animals that were removed were malnourished and had obvious skin problems, Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale said.

Sheriff Hale said the animals were being boarded in "unacceptable" conditions.


Kirkland was not at the business when deputies searched it. He spoke with an investigator by phone on June 12 and said he was out of town.

 

 

 

On Monday, the Sheriff's Office says Kirkland is still at large.

Kirkland has been charged with five counts of animal cruelty and one count of operating a business without a license. His bond is set at $31,000.

A FOX6 On Your Side special report focused on Scott Kirkland after a viewer complained about adopting sick puppies from Kirkland. Kirkland offered to pay the vet bills but so far has not picked up the receipts from Fox6 News.

Kirkland stipulated to animal cruelty charges in Leeds and appealed to Jefferson County court.

(WBRC - Jun 30, 2014)

Earlier:

• 13 dogs, 2 cats removed from downtown Birmingham business