- North Carolina, USA -
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office arrested 27-years-old MADYSON DANYELL CLONTZ and 34-years-old JUSTIN ROBERT LEE SMITH (both pictured).
On October 21, 2023, someone found a dog who was in poor condition and posted the furbaby on Facebook. The following day, a rescue group went to pick up the dog and took him/her to Rowan County Animal Shelter to be examined by a veterinarian. The vet found the furbaby to be in a state of starvation.
Fortunately, the dog was microchipped and registered to the address of 201 Morlan Park Road in Salisbury.
The Rowan County Sheriff's Office obtained a search warrant for the property which was then executed on October 26, 2023, by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Apprehension Team (SOCAT) and Rowan County Animal Services. CLONTZ and SMITH were present along with CLONTZ’s child.
Official found dozens of animals, inside and outside the residence, who were in “very poor condition”. Officials reported that the residence itself was also “in very poor condition”. They reported that mold and rat feces were visible.
Authorities found and removed:
· 11 dogs, including a deceased one
· 8 roosters
· 6 chickens and hens
· 4 ducks
· 4 guinea chickens
· 3 goats, including a deceased one
· 2 cats
· 2 pigs
· 2 snakes, including a deceased one
· 1 bearded dragon
· 1 betta fish
· 1 turtle
Additionally, Animal Services removed one glass fishbowl, a glass pickle jar that had been used to transport a turtle, and glass snake tanks.
The Rowan County Sheriff’s Office said that on October 30, 2023, CLONTZ and SMITH turned themselves in and were served with warrants, charging each with forty-five (45) felony counts of animal cruelty and three (3) misdemeanor counts of child abuse.
The couple were placed in the detention center and bonds were set at $3,000 for CLONTZ and $6,000 for SMITH.
Online arrest records show the pair are no longer in custody.
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
CLONTZ and SMITH’s mugshots shared from the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office.
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