DONALD GRAY PAYNE facing charges after many animals were discovered in “unacceptable living conditions” at his Mocksville home

- North Carolina, USA -

The Davie County Sheriff’s Office reports that 76-year-old DONALD GRAY PAYNE is facing charges after many animals were found in poor living conditions.

According to the office’s press release, on August 6, 2025, deputies from the Davie County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Division executed a search warrant at PAYNE’s home on 837 Turkey Foot Road in Mocksville where they found two cats and eleven dogs.

As per the press release, the animals were found in “unacceptable living conditions” and all were found to have parasitic infections.  Many of the dogs were “severely underweight and suffering from skin infections.”

The two cats and all of the dogs were taken to the Davie County Animal Shelter where they are being assessed by veterinarians. PAYNE surrendered them all to Davie County Animal Services.

The sheriff’s office tells me that no animals were found deceased on the property and none of the rescued furvictims were euthanized. Three of the poor souls are still on medication while the other ten are available for adoption. The sheriff’s office didn’t specify whether the furvictims on medication are cats or dogs.

PAYNE’s mugshot is not available because he was released on a $5,000 unsecure bond. He is facing three felony counts of cruelty to animals and seven misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. PAYNE’s next court appearance is set for September 25, 2025, at Davie County District Court.

If you wish and can afford to donate toward the furvictims’ medical care, checks can be mailed to Davie County Animal Services, 291 Eaton Road, Mocksville, NC 27028. Thank you!

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Davie County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

Pictured shared from the Davie County Sheriff's Office.

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