Case Report

A German Shepherd was found dead 04-28-01 in the basement of an unoccupied apartment. An animal control spokesman said they were called by the police on a report of what they thought was a routine pickup of a dead animal.

Animal control officials said they entered an apartment at 807 Swadley Road, No. 2,
that had been occupied by James D. Plemmons, 25 years old.

The dog was estimated to have been dead approximately 2 to 3 weeks and had already started to decay.  Neighbors had called the owner of the apartments to complain about the odor of a sewer leak.

It was reported the apartment was 95 percent empty and feces were all over the residence. The stair railing had been chewed and the dog was found on his stomach with no signs of food or water.  The dog had destroyed several items of furniture attempting to find something to eat.

The power to the apartment had been turned off also. The dog's remains were taken to the Washington County/Johnson City Animal Shelter. Plemmons was charged with Cruelty to Animals charge TCA 39-14-202.

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