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.
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. He is being held at the Tate County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
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.