On September 9, Athens police responded to reports of ongoing animal abuse at a West Bank Street property, seizing several dogs and charging a man with multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty, neglect, and facilitation of neglect.

Officers encountered numerous aggressive dogs running loose, which the owner could not control, requiring assistance from the Athens Animal Shelter, McMinn County Humane Society, and local fire crews.

Three dogs were captured outside, and a search warrant led to the recovery of four more inside the home, all of which were taken to the Humane Society for treatment. The owner admitted earlier this year to letting a mother dog and six puppies starve to death.

During the incident, he allegedly threatened to shoot officers, resulting in additional charges, and police confiscated two firearms from the property. Deputy Chief Jason Garren commended the agencies for their persistence in “very difficult conditions” until the situation was resolved.