Case Details


Case Snapshot
Case ID: 19755
Classification: Neglect / Abandonment
Animal: dog (pit-bull)
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Dogs starved, resort to cannibalism
Memphis, TN (US)

Incident Date: Tuesday, Jul 31, 2012
County: Shelby

Disposition: Alleged

Alleged: Mary Burrough

A Memphis woman is charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

Police say she did not feed her pit bulls for several days.

According to the police report, the pit bull mother was so hungry, she ate one of her newborn puppies.

According to the police report, at the time of her arrest, Mary Burrough told police she did not have the money to feed her dogs.

Tuesday, Samuel Ratliff showed us where he and Burrough, his niece, kept water near their pit bulls. Ratliff said, after paying all their bills, that's all they could afford until his disability check came at the first of the month.

"We were going to feed the dogs. We just didn't have the money right then to get the dog food," said Ratliff.

Ratliff told News Channel 3 they hadn't fed the two adult pit bulls and five puppies since late last week.

The police report states, the adult pit bulls were so emaciated you could see their ribs, spine and other bones through their coats.

"It was nothing wrong with those dogs," said Ratliff.

Ratliff denied a starving mother pit bull ate her puppy.

He said the mom killed the pup when she laid down on it.

Police called the dogs living situation cruel, but Ratliff said they weren't trying to neglect the dogs. The family called animal services to try to get help.

"She was calling them to come pick them up, but they didn't," said Ratliff.

According to the Humane Society, the majority of the dogs they take care of, are malnourished and emaciated.

The organization has a food pantry assistance program for families in need.

To get help, you must apply in person and provide proof that you can not afford to feed your animal.

Basic Eligibility Requirements:
Must be 18 years of age or older
Must be a resident of Memphis or Shelby County
Have a government-issued picture ID with your current address
Provide documentation of currently receiving some form of government financial assistance
a) W2 Form
b) Social Security Check
c) Separation Letter, etc.
d) Are on a fixed income and over 65
e) Are a low income family (one income less than $15,000 annually or two income less than $20,000 annually)
f) Have a disabled adult in the household

References

  • « TN State Animal Cruelty Map
    « More cases in Shelby County, TN

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