From WRIL -
On Monday, October 11, 2022, a short time before 4:30pm, Middlesboro Officer Chris Barnes was dispatched to a north 24th Street address in regard to multiple animals living at the residence. This was after a welfare check was requested from the Bell County Animal Shelter. In total there were (11) eleven dogs and (4) cats in the home. **Number of animals updated.
In his citation the officer states that as soon as he exited his vehicle a strong odor of urine and feces was present. The officer looked inside the home and was able to see animal feces "so thick, that it covered the floor". The dogs inside the home had sever cases of mange, no water or food, and were very malnourished to the point that their ribs were showing. Bell County Animal Shelter Director Patsy Bracken removed the animals.
There were also children living in the home and social services was contacted to investigate the matter.
28-year-old Jonathan Bennett was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals - 2nd degree and he was served a bench warrant for theft by unlawful taking under $10,000 and theft by deception - cold checks. He is currently being held on a $1,000 cash bond. Bennett was arrested for the outstanding warrant.
Also assisting at the scene was Officer Jake Perry.
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