Three people were arrested after authorities discovered 29 dogs dead inside plastic bags in the backyard of a home in Lee County, Alabama, officials said. Inside the house, investigators found another 24 dogs in severely poor condition, described as emaciated.
Police identified the arrested individuals as Curtis Dewayne Haralson, Patricia Ann Sims, and Tiffany Ann Sims, who were booked into the Lee County Jail on Monday, Jan. 12, according to authorities.
Officials said all three were living at a residence in the 8100 block of Lee Road 146 in the Beauregard community. Deputies responded after a neighbor called around 10:45 a.m. local time to report concerns about the animals’ condition, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office said.
Lee County Animal Control took the surviving dogs into custody, according to AL.com. Authorities have not yet announced formal charges, and the investigation is ongoing. However, the sheriff’s office said it expects the case will “more than likely result in felony charges” for all three individuals.
Officials said the dogs ranged in age from puppies to adult dogs.
