A total of nine dogs were found to be in serious need of medical care when police responded to 608 North Academy Street earlier this month.

Detective Sgt. Wayne Lawson wrote in a report, "Upon arrival it was observed that there were approximately nine dogs in various degrees of malnutrition and neglect. There was also one dog that had a serious untreated wound."

The Detective contacted the Pet Adoption and Welfare Services office who responded and took control of the animals.

Inside the home on North Academy, police noted that the house was completely covered in dog feces and unlivable. After going into the house, officers took 70 year old James Allen Hartley into custody.

When questioned, Hartley admitted to the mistreatment of the animals and not providing them with proper care, according to a police report. The report went on to state, "He also admitted that some of the dogs had not been out of that house for years and that he had not cleaned up for 5 or 6 months."

Hartley was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. He was scheduled for a court appearance on April 24, 2017.

Source:

MPD Arrest 17-4548
TCA Code 39-14-212