JOAN VERNA AYERS arrested on accusations of leaving her dog out in snowstorm

- Tennessee, USA -

The Cocke County Sheriff’s Office arrested 54-year-old JOAN VERNA AYERS (pictured).

According to the incident report provided to Voice For Us by the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office, on the early evening of February 1, 2026, Lt. Williams received a complaint regarding a neglected dog at a home on 1025 Fawn Ridge Way in Newport.

To support the complaint, Lt. Williams was provided with a picture of the dog. The picture showed a light brown dog wearing a thick dirty brown collar attached to a small chain. As stated by the report, the furvictim had visible bones protruding, especially the ribs, spine, and hips. The complainant advised that the dog was chained up with no food and an empty water container.

The sheriff’s office tells me that the dog is a 2-year-old male named Moon.

Lt. Williams and two deputies responded to the location to investigate the complaint. When Lt. Williams exited her vehicle, she noted that the external temperature registered on her dashboard was 13 degrees Fahrenheit, and there was heavy snowfall on the ground as it was snowing days prior.

Deputies knocked on the door of the home, but no one responded. Lt. Williams heard two dogs barking. She described one of them as a “healthy looking plump black and white female that appeared to be a pit bull/mix. She had a collar, but no lead or leash and was ‘free roaming’ the property.”

Lt. Williams then located Moon a short distance from the home. She immediately identified him as the dog from the complaint photo.

Lt. Williams reported that Moon was emaciated, infected with fleas, and was shivering. He was attached to a tether line between two trees. In addition to visible rib, spine, and hip bones, Moon had a large knot on the top of his head and just below that was an open infected wound with flesh showing and puss and blood actively oozing down the head onto the top and down the sides of his muzzle.

According to Lt. Williams, Moon flinched “dramatically” and cowered when hands moved near his head. As a shelter, Moon had what appeared to be “a camper top that goes on the bed of a truck, with a tarp covering the opening, which was blowing in the breeze, and did not appear to have bedding suitable for freezing wet conditions,” stated the report.

According to the report, Lt. Williams noticed “footprints trailing in the snow leading from the front door of the residence to the shelter” indicating “someone was clearly aware of this dog’s condition.”

Lt. Williams made the decision to remove Moon who was taken to the “temporary animal housing” facility provided by the sheriff’s office.

The following day, on February 2, 2026, Moon was taken to the Tri County Veterinary Clinic where he was given preventative medications and vaccinations. A soft tissue surgery was performed with the addition of drain tubes added to the head injury to assist in healing.

On February 18, 2026, Lt. Williams made contact with the complainant who said that AYERS had not been at her home recently due to not having electricity.

Two days later, Lt. Williams and a Cocke County Sheriff deputy saw AYERS walking down Dark Hollow Road in Newport and she was placed under arrest.

At the time of writing, records show that AYERS is being held into the Cocke County Jail without bond. She is facing animal cruelty and neglect charges.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the affidavit provided to Voice For Us by the Cocke 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.

Moon’s pictures were kindly provided to Voice For Us by the Cocke County Sheriff’s Office. The last five pictures were taken this morning.

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