Tennessee: Animal abuse case against Clifford Moreland going to grand jury

TENNESSEE -- A man charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving his dog in severely neglected condition appeared in court Monday afternoon.

Clifford Moreland was charged with animal cruelty last month.

His dog, Ulysses, was found on the side of the road with severe health problems, including infection, mange, and blindness due to neglect.

Montgomery County Animal Control Director Jeanette Farrell said Moreland refused to surrender custody of Ulysses, so the judge determined that the case will be sent to the Montgomery County Grand Jury.

Moreland has not yet been indicted. A second hearing is scheduled for May 3 to determine whether Moreland will be ordered to pay the mounting veterinarian bills.

While both parties await a new court date, Ulysses will remain in the care of Animal Control. If Moreland is convicted, the dog will not be returned to him.

 

About four weeks after he was brought to Sango Vet Hospital, Ulysses’ condition has improved greatly. Much of his hair has grown back and his skin is getting better. Unfortunately, he is permanently blind due to an eye condition that was left untreated.

(Clarksville Now - April 20, 2016)

Earlier:

• Tennessee: Animal Control seeks info about abandoned dog in ‘deplorable’ condition
• Tennessee: Owner of dog found in ‘deplorable’ condition comes forward
• Tennessee: Owner of neglected dog, Clifford Moreland, charged with animal abuse