Monday, January 5, 2009

Authorities Investigate Instances Of Animal Cruelty

   Local law enforcement officials were summoned to initiate investigations into two different instances of animal cruelty on Friday.

   Shortly before 8:00 a.m. deputies with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to 2250 Granddaddy Road where they were informed that the former residents had moved away, leaving their pets behind. Deputies report that a small black puppy had been abandoned, along with four cats. The couple reportedly moved on Wednesday, December 31, leaving no forwarding address.

   The complainant, deputies report, had brought food and water to the animals. Reports indicate that homes may already have been found for each of the abandoned pets.

   Around 1:30 that afternoon deputies met with a Bishop Chapel Road, Loretto, resident who reported that someone had shot his dog. The resident told deputies that his dog had been shot in the left side, behind the shoulder, with a large caliber weapon. He indicated that the shooting had occurred sometime after 10:00 p.m. New Year’s Day, Thursday, and before 1:30 p.m. Friday.

   At the present time both incidents remain under review by investigators with the department’s Criminal Investigation Division. Anyone who has information regarding either incident is encouraged to contact the department at 762-3626.

.

.