Erwin couple charged with animal cruelty
An Erwin couple left several dogs out in the elements and most of them show their skeletal structure because of malnourishment, according to a Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office report.
The county’s animal shelter had received a tip about the mistreated animals that were on the property of Anthony and Brandy Dunbar and that led officers to a welfare check at the home located in the 1700 block of North Main Avenue.
“Once on scene deputies observed numerous dogs inside three separate chain-link enclosures. The enclosures were partially covered with tarps and covered with feces and deep mud,” the report said.
The animals’ fur was matted up with this mud and feces, and the hair was falling out of the dog. The enclosures lacked adequate shelter and no source of water. The animals appeared to be severely malnourished with the skeletal structure showing through the skin of the animals, deputies also documented that the animals appeared to be passing blood as it was documented to be visible in the feces.”
Chief Deputy Frank Rogers wrote, “the animals were severely emaciated and said the animals body mass score would be between 1 and 2, this is consistent with severe muscle degradation. The officers further determined that the animals were at serious risk death.”
The Dunbars are charged with aggravated animal cruelty and are expected to be arraigned on that charge this week.
(IMAGE: Generic dog photo / Provided by royalty free photos on Pexels.com / Elena Golovchenko)
