ALABAMA — Auburn Police have charged a local woman with felony animal cruelty after investigators found her dog and cat dead inside her apartment. Authorities say the animals were allegedly left to starve.
Officers responded on August 25 to an apartment complex at 420 North Dean Road after employees reported a strong odor coming from one of the units. During a walkthrough, staff discovered a deceased dog in a bedroom, prompting the involvement of detectives and animal control.
Investigators found the bedroom littered with empty cat food cans, fur, and dried feces. Remains of the cat were also found scattered in the room. Police are investigating whether the dog may have eaten the cat in an attempt to survive.
The sole leaseholder, Ashley Susan Graham, told detectives that in June she had been unable to check on her pets for two to three days. When she returned, she found her dog dead and feces covering the floor. Graham admitted she closed the bedroom door and did not return.
Graham was booked into the Lee County Detention Center on one felony count of aggravated animal cruelty. She has since been released on bond and is awaiting court proceedings. Authorities say the investigation remains active.
