TENNESSEE — Two Erwin residents were arrested on animal cruelty charges after deputies said they found multiple malnourished dogs in conditions that put them at risk of dying.
According to a news release from the Unicoi County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were contacted Saturday by the Unicoi County Animal Shelter after receiving a tip about possible animal abuse. Deputies investigated the report at a property in the 1700 block of North Main Avenue in Erwin.
Chief Deputy Frank Rogers said deputies found numerous dogs housed in three chain-link enclosures. The release stated the enclosures were partially covered with tarps and filled with feces and deep mud. Deputies reported the dogs’ fur was matted with mud and feces, with hair falling out. Authorities also said the enclosures lacked adequate shelter and had no source of water.
According to the sheriff’s office, the dogs were visibly malnourished, with skeletal structures showing and blood visible in their feces. Animal control officers who responded to the scene described the animals as severely emaciated and at serious risk of death.
The dogs’ owners were identified as Anthony and Brandy Dunbar of Erwin. Authorities said the couple does not live at the property and told deputies they kept the dogs there because they are not allowed to have more than two pets at their current residence. Brandy Dunbar reportedly told deputies that she and her husband provided food and water to the dogs daily.
Both Anthony and Brandy Dunbar were arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. They were taken to the Unicoi County Jail and later released. The couple is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday.
