On Thursday, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department Animal Control received two calls regarding the welfare of animals at a residence in Crossville. Animal Control has received approximately ten complaints since May of this year regarding the animals on this property. The initial complaint this time was the welfare of a blueish husky that was wrapped up around a tree with no shelter and no water. Upon arrival, the Husky was visible from the driveway and appeared weak and thin and was strapped to a cable that was entangled in a tree, a tricycle, and a water hose.

After speaking to Alyssa Thompson, age 34 of Crossville, she said there was a lock on the chain link fence and a couldn’t get access to the Husky. Due to the dog being in danger, authorities found another gate into the fence that was unlocked, where they were able to untangle the dog. While trying to untangle the Husky, authorities noticed in plain view in a sunroom at the back of the house, that there were two more dogs. The dogs were inside a wire kennel that was “severely covered in their own urine and feces”.  Both species had matted-up faces and appeared to be severely emaciated, with their hips and backbones showing. There was also no water for either, and one of the dogs appeared to be postured in a leaning-back position indicating being in the kennel too long.

The three dogs were removed from the property and taken to Cumberland County Animal Shelter for treatment, care, and safekeeping.

Alyssa Thompson stated that she was responsible for the care and the well-being of the animals and was charged with Animal Abuse/Neglect.