RUTHERFORD COUNTY ANIMAL CRULETY INVESTIGATION
On 07/08/2019 at 1:30pm. Deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office along with Rutherford County Animal Control Services responded out to 479 Freeman Road, Forest City in reference to serving a Civil Seizure Order for animals.
This is a result of a combined investigation between the Sheriff’s Office and Rutherford County Animal Control Services
Seized we (32) dogs, (32) cats, (2) roosters, (3) chickens) and (1) pig. All the animals were transported to the Rutherford County Animal Shelter, where they were evaluated and any of the animals that were in need of immediate veterinary care were cared for.
The seized animals will be in the care of the Rutherford County Animal Shelter until a hearing is scheduled.
Two females were arrested in connection with this case; Barbara Pruett King and Erica Shea McMahan.
King was charged with (2) counts of FELONY KILL AN ANIMAL BY STARVATION, (1) count DISPOSE OF DEAD DOMESTICATED ANIMAL, (18) counts of CRUELTY TO ANIMALS, and (1) count RESIST PUBLIC OFFICER. King’s bond was set at $20,000.00 secured. In an unrelated matter, King was also charged with (1) count of MISDEMEANOR AID AND ABET from an incident which happened in the Town of Forest City.
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McMahan was charged with (2) counts of FELONY KILL AN ANIMAL BY STARVATION and (18) counts of CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. McMahan’s bond was set at $15,000.00 secured.
King and McMahan will have their first court appearance today in Rutherford County District Court.
On site yesterday to help was Lee Shore rescue group, Patti Peake, and Marsha Goodwin. They spent around 7 hours helping bathe, set up crates, evaluate and more. We could never express enough gratitude for their assistance yesterday.
Address/Location
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
198 N Washington St
Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 828-287-6247
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