William Terry Davis, 82, appeared in Rutherford County Circuit Court Monday to be arraigned on three counts of animal cruelty, after being indicted.
He pleaded not guilty. Davis is accused of neglecting two cats.
Rutherford County PAWS Animal Control officers making weekly visits found his Arnold Road home in deplorable condition. Cat feces littered the floor, including the kitchen and bathroom.
"It's so frustrating to us to see repeat offenders," said Stephanie Willis, an animal advocate with Agape Animal Rescue. "They get a slap on the wrist."
Willis has seen the worst of the worst when it comes to animal abuse and neglect.
"We've had an opportunity to assist in some large scale busts over the past three years," Willis said.
In 2003, Davis made headlines when he was arrested for animal abuse after authorities found 114 cats, dogs and other animal carcasses in a freezer at his home.
He lived in Murfreesboro at the time.
"I really feel like animal cruelty is a sickness, and there is science that backs that up," Willis said. "It's frustrating for us because we see it happen over and over again."
Davis was again indicted in 2012 on the similar charges.
He worked out an agreement where he would only own two dogs and two cats. He was ordered to pay PAWS $57,736.78. He's yet to pay, according to animal control officials.
A judge ordered the cats be removed from the home in March of this year.
"It's just heartbreaking to know that a human being is capable of such a lack of compassion for other beings," Willis said.
Willis is hoping Agape Animal Rescue can continue to help animals like Monti who was one of 34 dogs rescued last September from a puppy mill in Kentucky.
She hopes Davis will finally face time in jail for his actions, or at least get some mental help.
"When they don't pay for doing this, what's to keep them from going back and continuing the cycle," Willis said.
Animal rights advocates say this case is a prime example of why the punishment for those who abuse or neglect animals should be harsher.
Rutherford County PAWS officials didn't want to comment on Davis' case.
They are hoping he will stand trial and not just work out a plea deal, as he's done in the past.
Davis is set to appear before Judge Keith Siskin Sept. 15.
(WSMV - Sep 04, 2014)
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