33 dogs, iguana seized in MS animal cruelty arrest
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tate County, Mississippi man was arrested and charged with animal cruelty after officers executed a search warrant on his home Saturday.
According to the Tate County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was executed on a home in the 2000 block of Prichard Road in Arkabutla as part of an animal cruelty investigation.
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During the search, officers seized 33 dogs and one “large” iguana, which according to officials, are now being housed at the Senatobia – Tate County Animal Shelter and with local volunteers.
Tommy Dean Douglas was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty, simple assault on a law enforcement officer, and disorderly conduct – disobeying a lawful order. When they went to arrest Douglas, he reportedly assaulted one of the deputies.
He is being held at the Tate County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Later reports state the number of animals may be as high as 42. About half of them have owners, and authorities are trying to find them.
Investigators say Douglas was running a puppy mill and breeding different pit bull breeds. He would allegedly tell people he would either train or breed their dog but that would never happen. Investigators claim he kept the dogs in horrible conditions.
The sheriff’s office says the animals are being evaluated and treated by local veterinarians for health issues.
The Senatobia-Tate County Animal Shelter says the influx of animals has created an emergency and they are not taking in more dogs at the moment because they have no space.
The shelter is in need of Purina Dog Chow Beef, large milk bones, and peanut butter. If you would like to donate, the items can be dropped off at 909 E F Hale Jr. Drive in Senatobia, Mississippi 38668.
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