- North Carolina, USA -
Following an investigation, 64-years-old PATTY ANN BOOTH and 33-years-old CODY ANTHONY KARNES (both pictured), have been charged with cruelty to animals.
In a news release, Lee County Sheriff Brian Estes said that on or about June 7, 2022, deputies with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control were asked to assist Broadway Police Department with an animal complaint at a residence on 101 Burgess Circle in Broadway.
During the course of the investigation, probable cause was established to obtain a search warrant which was then executed on June 30, 2022, by the Broadway PD, Cape Fear Rural FD, and Lee County Emergency Management, and Lee County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control deputies.
The search led to the discovery and removal of 28 cats.
Sheriff Estes said the “felines were seized and taken to the Lee County Animal Shelter for holding until the legal disposition of the animals can be determined by the courts.”
Warrants were also obtained for the arrest of BOOTH and KARNES who were taken into custody on July 1, 2022.
The pair were each charged with:
2 counts of cruelty to animals
2 counts of failure produce rabies vaccinations
1 count of improper disposal of dead domesticated animals
Both BOOTH and KARNES were given a $5,000 unsecured bond.
They are scheduled to appear in court on July 7, 2022.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office expressed gratitude toward all the agencies involved with this investigation, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office for the use of their animal trailer and equipment which is being used to house the cats, and the community that had stepped in by making “significant donations for the care of these precious animals.”
I have emailed Sheriff Estes to inquire about the well being of the cats removed from the property and requested elucidation about the charge “improper disposal of dead domesticated animals.”
If I get a response, I will post an update.
BOOTH and KARNES’ mugshots have been added to the Animal Abuser Registry maintained by Voice For Us.
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Details may be removed or additional information may be provided in future should such sources report an update.
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