Gaston County Police received a tip from a concerned caller telling them to check the welfare of the animals in a home on the 100 block of Antelope Drive in Mount Holly.
Once there, they discovered two kennels holding a couple of hound dogs each.
Two dogs sat in one kennel, the lack of food and water causing them to be in a "severe" medical condition, according to Gaston County Police Capt. Steve Jentsch.
The two in the other kennel had already died from the alleged malnourishment.
"Seeing animals in the condition these animals were found in, it's a difficult environment," Jentsch said. "We never want to see anything like this."
The animals were stored at the home of Johnnie Edward McNabb, and authorities have written a criminal summons for his involvement.
The two living dogs were given veterinary attention, then taken to the Gaston County animal shelter. They have since been claimed by rescue organizations, Jentsch said.
"I would encourage anybody who sees an animal they think is distressed to call us," Jentsch said.
Fortenberry was released from Gaston County Jail on Thursday, shortly after posting a $4,000 bond.
ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Luke Scott Fortenberry
Gender: Male
Race: White
Height: 6’00”
Weight: 160 lbs
Birthdate: 06/05/1989
Arrest Age:27
City: Lincolnton, North Carolina 28092
Date:03/23/2017
Time: 5:01 PM
Arrest Location: Gaston County, NC
Charges
#1 Animal Cruelty
BOND: $4000
#2 Animal Cruelty
#3 Animal Cruelty
#4 Animal Cruelty
(Gaston Gazette - March 24, 2017)
