Sheriff seizes 46 dogs in Jefferson County

Most ‘severely emaciated,’ rescuer says

Randall W. Gentry, 60, of Redfield (right) faces multiple charges of animal cruelty after 46 dogs were rescued from his residence in Jefferson County on Wednesday, June 29, 2016.
Randall W. Gentry, 60, of Redfield (right) faces multiple charges of animal cruelty after 46 dogs were rescued from his residence in Jefferson County on Wednesday, June 29, 2016.

A rescue of almost 50 dogs Wednesday morning in Redfield is believed to be the second-largest such rescue in Jefferson County, according to the sheriff's office.

ADVERTISEMENT

More headlines

A sheriff's office news release said the rescue of the 46 dogs from the 1600 block of Arrowhead Drive is the largest in the county since the Feb. 27, 2014, seizure of 183 animals in Jefferson County that included 121 dogs.

"The smell in and about the property was overwhelming, and the living conditions were deplorable for any living being," sheriff's office Maj. Lafayette Woods Jr. said in the release.

The rescue was on the property of Randall W. Gentry, 60, who faces multiple counts of cruelty to animals, a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one year in jail.

"We take animal cruelty reports seriously in Jefferson County, and these conditions were unacceptable," Woods said in the release. "We're grateful the [Humane Society of the United States] could assist our agency so quickly to address this situation and bring the animals to safety."

Samantha Miller, a Humane Society spokesman, said a tip from a concerned citizen led to the dogs' rescue. Many of the animals were unsocialized and living in waste without access to clean water or food.

"Most were severely emaciated, with bald patches where fur should have covered them. Many dogs of all ages were suspected to be infected with mange and skin, ear, and eye infections," Miller said. "The dogs will have thorough veterinary examinations in the coming days and we will know more."

The sheriff's office served a search-and-seizure warrant at the property. Because the home did not have a driveway, the dogs had to be removed using all-terrain vehicles.

The dogs removed from the property were immediately checked by Little Rock veterinarian Kim Miller. The Humane Society then took the animals to a temporary shelter where they will be further examined and receive any needed medical treatment.

"The animals cannot be adopted out yet because of the pending court case," Samantha Miller said in an email. "The animals will be released to Emergency Placement Partners of The Humane Society of the United States who will work on finding them forever homes. In the meantime, they will receive much-needed TLC at the temporary shelter."

Responders from RedRover are assisting with the temporary caretaking of the animals, and Greater Good, Rescue Bank, Halo and PetSmart Charities are providing food and financial support at the temporary shelter.

Gentry is scheduled to appear before District Judge Kim Bridgforth at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

State Desk on 06/30/2016

Upcoming Events