Neglected, starving animals rescued
Eclectic, AL (US)

Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 7, 2011
County: Elmore

Charges: Misdemeanor, Felony CTA
Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Richard Ellis Johnston

An Eclectic man remains in the Elmore County Jail facing nine counts of animal cruelty.

Richard Ellis Johnston, 65, of Mount Hebron Road in Eclectic was arrested at his home last Thursday morning when Elmore County Sheriff's deputies were called to his home regarding malnourished animals.

The animals in question included five dogs, one horse, one mule and one kitten.

A witness told deputies that one horse and one mule were in a small pen with no food or water.

"The horse and mule were skinny and malnourished," according to the report.

The witness also found five dogs with no food, water or shelter as well as a black and white kitten in a metal crate with no food, water or shelter.

The kitten also had cuts between its paws from being in the metal crate, according to the report.

Rea Cord, director of the Elmore County Humane Shelter, said all of the animals were released into the shelter's custody and are all doing better.

Eight of the nine counts of animal cruelty are felony counts, according to the arrest report.

Johnston also was arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance when he was booked into the jail.

A brown pill bottle was found in his right front pocket containing various prescription medications.

His total bond is $42,000.

References

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