BLOUNTSVILLE, Ala. — In February 2025, Deputy Brock Echols of the Blount County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of loose dogs and animal abuse on Sawmill Road. Upon arrival, Deputy Echols observed ten to fifteen dogs running freely and approximately ten more confined in cages. Attempts to contact the residents were initially unsuccessful.
Through further investigation, Deputy Echols discovered that the property owners lived in a neighboring county. A neighboring agency attempted to reach the owners but only heard what sounded like twenty dogs inside the residence. Deputy Echols eventually spoke with the owners by phone and arranged a meeting at the property.
Upon inspection, Deputy Echols found over twenty-five dogs, many suffering from mange, severe malnutrition, open wounds, and various skin conditions. The animals lacked access to clean water and sufficient food, and some areas had more than twelve inches of feces.
Inside the residence, Deputy Echols, with the owners’ assistance, located eight additional dogs living in unsuitable conditions, including standing water in the basement surrounded by floating trash and feces. Five puppies were also discovered, unknown to the owners before entering with Deputy Echols.
The Blount County Animal Adoption Center sent a representative to assist with the large number of dogs. During the ongoing investigation, Deputy Echols found an additional fifteen dogs and one deceased puppy outside. As of March 12, a total of forty-three dogs had been removed from the property, with several being euthanized due to irreversible health issues. Criminal charges are pending, and the investigation is ongoing.
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