- North Carolina, USA -
On Monday, June 14, a deputy with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division responded to a residence on Sandalwood Drive in Denton in an attempt to serve a criminal summons on 68-years-old MELINA KAY ROBINSON (pictured) for livestock running at large.
According to a press release by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy observed signs of animal neglect, so a referral was made to Randolph County Animal Control.
Animal Control tried to talk to ROBINSON the same day but she was not at the property so the agency requested that sheriff’s office assist them in a follow up at a later date.
On Friday, June 17, deputies along with Animal Control went to ROBINSON’s residence to check on the welfare of her dogs. They made contact with ROBINSON who gave officers consent for a welfare check of the animals that she had on the property. It was evident to officers that serious neglect had gone on for some time on numerous animals so the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division was called in for further investigation. Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant that led to a total of 55 animals being removed from the property.
As indicated in the press release, officers removed:
44 Dogs
7 Cats
1 Bird
1 Guinea Pig
1 Rabbit
1 Turtle
The sheriff’s office pointed out that the animals were removed “due to poor living conditions, malnourishment of the majority of the animals, lack of basic dietary needs, and obvious untreated wounds on some animals.”
The animals were taken into custody by Randolph County Animal Services for urgent medical care and rehabilitation. Twelve of them were in critical condition and were taken to veterinarian clinics.
Following the investigation on scene, ROBINSON was arrested and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where the magistrate found probable cause for charges of ten counts of Felony cruelty to animals. ROBINSON was given a $25,000 secured bond.
On June 20, Randolph County Animal Services reported that the twelve dogs taken for medical care are back in their custody and are in stable condition.
For the other animals, appointments are being scheduled with veterinarian clinics.
The sheriff’s office said that additional charges may be forthcoming.
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