CLEVELAND — White County Animal Control currently is investigating an animal cruelty and neglect incident discovered in the county Sunday.
The sheriff's office initially was dispatched to check on the welfare of the residents on Hiawassee Drive on Sunday, said White County Public Safety Director David Murphy. The deputy then requested animal control.
Murphy said when animal control arrived they found two dogs and several cats that appear to have been malnourished and not taken care of in a humane way. After further investigation, Tuesday afternoon animal control officers were impounding what animals were left on the property.
According to Murphy, the property owners had moved out of state and had contracted with the two individuals to look after their animals and property in exchange for staying at their home. Murphy said those individuals also brought some of their own animals to the property.
The exact charges or citation, under the animal control code, has not been decided, Murphy said.
"At this point in time on the criminal side of it there are no criminal charges being brought forth at this point," Murphy said. "Our citations are based on county code violations."
Wednesday morning Murphy said his office will be meeting with officials at the sheriff's office to review the case and evidence.
"We will work together to formulate if and when any charges will be filed or citations issued in this case," Murphy said.
This is the second incident county animal control officers have worked in the last few weeks, Murphy said. A lady in the Skylake area appeared to be hoarding several cats at her home.
Murphy said there was no signs of abuse or neglect in the Skylake case, but the homeowners association does not allow the large number of cats. That person has been working with authorities to turn those animals over to animal control.
