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Case ID: 18271

Classification: Hoarding

Animal: dog (non pit-bull)

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41 dogs seized, 1 dead
Newport, TN (US)

Incident Date: Sunday, Jul 17, 2011
County: Cocke

Disposition: Alleged
Case Images: 1 files available

Alleged:
» Virginia Daniels
» Lloyd Donnie Webb

One day after a Cocke County couple told 10News they properly cared for three dozen puppies, both are now facing criminal charges.

Virginia Daniels, 59, and Lloyd Donnie Webb, 53, have each been charged with 40 counts of animal cruelty.

On Sunday the 41 dogs were pulled from a Newport home. It was a place, Deputy Hollis Emmons, said was in bad shape.

"The conditions were very poor according from the outside, and you could smell inside the residence dog urine and feces in the driveway," said Deputy Emmons.

Deputy Emmons said law enforcement came to the home on Big B Way on a child welfare check, but they didn't find children. Instead, they found dozens of dogs.

"When myself and Deputy Hall approached the house, there was approximately 20 something dogs that met me at the door," explained Deputy Emmons.

Deputy Emmons said besides the 41 dogs they found alive. He says they found one dog dead.

Deputy Emmons said, "It's the worst case I've ever seen."

Lisa Layman is the Director of Newport Animal Control. She helped rescue the animals and is now helping to take care of them at the animal shelter.

"Other then being flea infested a few of them were a little on the thin side, but we will work with them on their nutrition and getting them where they should be," said Layman.

Most of the dogs were relatively healthy. It was the conditions they were living in that concerned law enforcement.

"It was deplorable, it was very bad conditions. It was feces everywhere, urine everywhere," said Layman.

Thursday, Virginia Daniels and Donnie Webb were arrested and charged with 40 counts of animal cruelty. Bail was set at $20,000.

On Wednesday, Webb told 10News he loved his "babies." He said he had so many because he couldn't afford to spay and neuter them.

Webb said Wednesday, "Ya they was healthy. They ate before me and Virginia did."

A veterinarian has examined each dog, given them shots, a bath, and food.

Deputies say many of the chihuahua - mixed dogs, which are mostly puppies, had worms and some hair loss.

The couple could appear before a judge as early as Friday morning.

For now, they're being held as evidence in the case.

The 41 dogs will remain as evidence at the shelter. If the couple is found guilty the dogs could be adopted out, but not for quite awhile.

The hearing for the couple is set for Monday, July 25.

If you think you can help with the overload of dogs at the shelter, Layman is requesting monetary and physical donations to help with the overcrowding.

The shelter needs steel dog bowls, dish soap, bleach, paper towels, newspaper and trash bags.

For more information or to make a donation, the Newport Animal Shelter may be reached at 423-623-1010.

References

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« TN State Animal Cruelty Map
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