Capt. D.B. Johnson, supervisor of the Statesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, said the SPD was contacted in June by Iredell County Animal Services after receiving a report that a puppy was being neglected and that its ears had been cut off.
Iredell County Animal Services Director Brad Gates said that on June 20, the owner was issued a citation for other dogs on the property that were not properly vaccinated and was warned about the lack of available water and improper restraints on the animals.
One shepherd-mix puppy with an injury to its tail, reported to be from a snake bite, was surrendered to animal control at that time.
The owner showed the officer a pit bull puppy with the docked ears and the officer advised the owner that a veterinary check must be completed within three days.
On a follow-up visit three days later, the owner still hadn't taken the pup to the vet as instructed, but he was warned again and told to get the puppy seen by a vet by June 25th.
With no response on the vet check, SPD Officer Tony Baity, along with ACO Wendy Daniel, executed a search warrant at a home in the 400 block of Hill Street on June 26 and located the dog, Johnson said.
Due to lack of vet care, the puppy was seized for neglect and cruelty and brought to the shelter, Gates said. The pup is recovering and doing well, he said.
A warrant was sought and obtained for the arrest of the owner.
On Wednesday, Alvertis James Hughes, 17, was charged with felony animal cruelty for the damage to the ears and misdemeanor animal cruelty for failing to provide adequate care and sustenance for the dog. His bond was set at $5,000.
(Statesville.com - July 11, 2014)
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