We’re learning the latest on a massive animal cruelty case in Lauderdale County.
Deputies have seized 82 dogs from a home off County Road 6 in the Central community.
WAAY 31 spoke with Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services on Wednesday, where all of the dogs are now being housed.
The director of animal services says the dogs are doing well and that for some, this may be the first time in years they have been out of their crates and able to socialize.
WAAY 31 also spoke with Macy Hughes, the lead investigator with the sheriff’s department, who says animal control officers had been monitoring the home for weeks after receiving an animal welfare tip.
Hughes explained, “The animal control officers received a tip about this a few weeks ago. They went out, made contact with the owner, and gave them an opportunity to correct the situation. They told them they would be back in a few weeks. When we returned this time, the situation had not been corrected.”
She described the conditions the dogs were living in as heartbreaking.
“The crates were stacked—so there would be a row, and then another row stacked on top. The dogs on the top were urinating and stuff on the dogs underneath them,” Hughes added.
Now, the dogs are in the care of Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services as deputies continue their investigation. The intake has added to an already overcrowded shelter.
Ceryl Jones, director of Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services, said, “The staff has to go through several times a day to clean and do spot checks, so it does add to the workload. But it is rewarding to see them in a better environment and happier.”
Over the next few days, veterinarians will examine all 82 dogs to determine if they have any medical issues resulting from neglect.
For now, investigators are still working to process everything they found. No charges have been filed at this time.
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