Three individuals have been apprehended following the tragic discovery of 29 deceased canines in a backyard, with an additional 24 dogs found inside the residence in poor health.
Law enforcement officers responded to a call from a concerned neighbor regarding the animals at the property of Curtis Dewayne Haralson, Patricia Ann Sims, and Tiffany Ann Sims. Subsequently, the trio was taken into custody, and the surviving dogs were placed under care.
Upon investigation, authorities found the deceased dogs, ranging from puppies to adults, had been placed in plastic bags and piled in the yard. Inside the house, 24 emaciated dogs of various ages were discovered.
Although no charges have been filed yet, the sheriff’s office indicated that felony charges are likely to be brought against the three suspects. This incident parallels another recent case in Alabama, where a couple faced charges for child neglect after their teenage daughter was found living in unsanitary conditions with several dogs, including one deceased.
The accused, Marchelle Pertilla and Eugene Medrano, are each charged with child abuse, with Pertilla facing additional counts of dog cruelty. The living environment was described as filthy and hazardous, with one dead dog found in a closet. The young girl revealed that her parents were residing in another state while she was left alone.
Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl’s situation and are seeking information on potential calls made to law enforcement. Sheriff Paul Burch expressed the need for answers and emphasized the ongoing efforts to understand the situation further.
