ROBERT DANIEL PIPPINS arrested on slew of charges including animal cruelty after many severely neglected dogs were rescued from a Sullivan County home

- Tennessee, USA -

The Bluff City Police Department announced the arrest of ROBERT DANIEL PIPPINS (pictured).

On July 15, 2025, officers were dispatched to a residence on Hillcrest Road for what police described as a “serious incident.”

Responding officers learned that “a physical aggravated assault had taken place, accompanied by aggravated rape and kidnapping.” Officers arrested PIPPINS in connection with that incident.

As officers continued to investigate, they discovered a disturbing pattern of animal abuse.

Police did not elaborate on the animal cruelty aspect and said that along with investigators and the Sullivan County Animal Shelter, they are working diligently to gather evidence to build a strong case against PIPPINS.

After checking on The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County’s Facebook page I learned that Twenty-five (25) Dobermans were rescued from the property. The organization explained in a Facebook post: “These dogs were found living in extremely poor conditions and are now safe in our care — but their journey to healing is just beginning.” According to the nonprofit, all of the dogs are suffering from “serious medical neglect", as well as, "malnourishment, untreated wounds, and overall poor health.”

As the investigation is still active, no further information was released. The nonprofit needs help caring for these additional dogs in their facility and if you wish and can afford to help, please click here. Thank you!

Police said PIPPINS is currently facing fifteen counts of animal cruelty.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Bluff City Police Department. 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.

PIPPINS’ mugshot shared from the Bluff City Police Department

Furvictims’ pictures shared from The Animal Shelter of Sullivan County

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!

MATTHEW HILL, town constable in Eden and Eden Dog Officer, accused of dragging a live pig behind his ATV, shooting the animal and slitting his/her throat

- Vermont, USA -

⚠️WARNING⚠️The article contains a picture that may not be suitable for everyone. Viewer and reader discretion is advised. ⚠️

47-year-old MATTHEW HILL, town constable in Eden and Eden Dog Officer, was arrested for animal cruelty.

According to the affidavit provided to Voice For Us by the Lamoille County State’s Attorney's Office, on or about July 15, 2025, HILL “killed an animal by intentionally causing the animal undue pain or suffering”. The affidavit further stated that on or about July 15, 2025, HILL “intentionally, maliciously, and without just cause tortured, mutilated, or cruelly beat an animal.”

The victim was a pig whom HILL pulled behind an ATV “for over a mile” while the helpless soul was still alive!

According to the affidavit, on July 15, 2025, Senior Warden Asa Sargent was contacted by Senior Warden Ethan Coffey for assistance regarding complaints of cruelty to animals. Warden Coffey showed Warden Sargent two videos which appeared to have been captured by an at-home security system.

The videos showed a male, later identified as HILL, operating an ATV from his lawn onto Paronto Road in the town of Eden. HILL appeared to be dragging a live pig attached in some fashion to his ATV. In the video, the pig can be seen struggling and can be heard screaming while being dragged. The affidavit stated that “The screaming of the pig can be heard easily over the noise of the ATV.”

Warden Coffey and Warden Sargent responded to HILL’s property on 30 Paronto Road in Eden and talked to him about the complaints they had received.

HILL stated “he had shot the pig in his back yard before the pig ‘came back to life’ after he tied it to the ATV and began driving”, read the affidavit.

HILL went on to say he was driving across his lawn when the pig “sprang back to life and began struggling and squealing.” HILL claimed the pig was unresponsive while he tied him/her to the ATV. Additionally, HILL stated that he drove the pig down the road approximately 200 yards before he stopped and slit his/her throat.

HILL then dumped the innocent soul approximately 1.18 miles away where he “finished” slitting his/her throat before discarding him/her down a short embankment.

Warden Coffey and Warden Sargent walked with HILL down Paronto Road to a location where HILL claimed to have made the first cut into the pig’s throat. Warden Sargent said there was no blood to be seen there, and on the opposite side of the road she was able to see the drag mark caused by the pig. When she pointed that out to HILL, he claimed he couldn’t remember exactly where he initially cut the pig’s throat.

Warden Sargent investigated the dirt roadway in front of the security cameras that captured the incident and observed drag marks which appear to be caused by the pig digging his/her hooves into the gravel.

The Wardens followed the ATV and drag marks of the pig before ultimately discovering the discarded carcass over the edge of the road approximately 1.18 miles away from HILL’s

residence. There was dried blood on the side of the trail in the area where the carcass was discarded. While investigating the pig’s carcass, the Wardens discovered at least five (5) bullet holes in the pig.

HILL told the Wardens that he was seen by two subjects near a bridge on Paronto Road while he was dragging the pig away from his residence. Warden Sargent located and spoke with the two witnesses who confirmed they saw HILL as he passed their residence while dragging the pig and believed the pig was dead at that time.

HILL allowed the Wardens to inspect his livestock and according to the affidavit, “Their living conditions were found to be satisfactory. The two dogs we observed were friendly, obedient, and appeared to be in good health.”

HILL was also found to be in possession of a live, wild raccoon.

Ultimately, HILL admitted to dragging the pig while he/she was still alive, shooting the animal several times, and slitting his/her throat.

Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, Warden Sargent had probable cause to believe that HILL committed the violation of aggravated cruelty to animals and possession of live wildlife.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, HILL was arrested and released the same day by a state judge on conditions with a court citation ordering him to appear in Vermont Superior Court in Hyde Park on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, HILL appeared in court where his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. HILL is due back in court on August 13, 2025.

I took the liberty of naming the Voiceless Victim Peanut for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the affidavit provided to Voice For Us by the Lamoille County State’s Attorney'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.

HILL's mugshot provided to Voice For Us by Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!

DEBORAH ROSS DAHL arrested – Nearly one hundred animals living in deplorable living conditions rescued from a Columbus County property

- North Carolina, USA -

In connection with what the Columbus County Sheriff's Office called “one of the most significant animal cruelty investigations in county history”, deputies arrested 70-year-old DEBORAH ROSS DAHL (pictured).

The sheriff's office said that DAHL’s arrest is the result of an extensive investigation which began on May 27, 2025, when the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division (CID) received an anonymous report alleging that DAHL was performing a medical procedure on a dog inside her residence without appropriate licensure and training.

According to the press release by the sheriff’s office, pictures depicting the procedure were posted on social media.

Columbus County Animal Protective Services and the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board were also alerted to these allegations and on May 29, 2025, Columbus County Animal Protective Services conducted a welfare check at DAHL’s residence on 364 Pone Hill Road in Hallsboro.

Officers reported “unsanitary and hazardous living conditions and numerous animals exhibiting signs of neglect”, stated the release. Dogs were found “pacing atop their own waste” inside ramshackle kennels.

Evidence collected at the scene was shared with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

Between June 4 and June 16, 2025, CID detectives carried out extensive interviews and collaborated with licensed veterinarians and regulatory agencies to verify the scope of unlicensed veterinary practices and animal cruelty.

Based on these findings, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office consulted with the Columbus County District Attorney’s Office, which determined there was probable cause to pursue criminal charges.

On the early morning of June 24, 2025, deputies executed a search warrant at DAHL’s residence.

The sheriff’s office reached out to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and Columbus County Animal Protective Services for assistance in removing the animals from the residence.

Fourteen (14) rabbits and seventy-six (76) dogs of various breeds, including Old English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Cane Corso, Shih Tzus, and mixed breeds were rescued while temperatures were close to 100 degrees.

Sadly, officials also discovered one deceased dog, and his/her body was taken for forensic examination.

DAHL was taken into custody.

On July 1, 2025, CID detectives presented additional evidence resulting in fourteen further counts of animal cruelty against DAHL.

On July 2, 2025, a second search warrant executed at the same property led to the rescue of two donkeys and two Highland cows who were taken to Columbus County Animal Protective Services.

The sheriff’s office said the majority of the rescued animals were placed in recovery facilities operated by the ASPCA, where they are receiving comprehensive sheltering, medical care, and behavioral treatment pending the resolution of this case.

To date, DAHL has been charged with ninety-three (93) misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals and one misdemeanor count of practicing veterinary medicine without a license.

Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers said in a written statement: “This is the largest animal cruelty operation our agency has ever taken on. What detectives and animal protection teams encountered at this property was heartbreaking—animals forced to live in filth, many deprived of basic medical care, food, and dignity. This investigation began because one person chose to speak up, and it grew into a unified effort to save as many lives as possible. The rescue of these animals is the result of dedicated teamwork and a community that refused to look away. I want to personally thank the ASPCA, Columbus County Animal Protective Services, the Columbus County District Attorney’s Office, and every professional who responded with skill and compassion.”

I have reached out to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about the dog who was found deceased but at the time of writing I have not received a response. So, I took the liberty of naming the furvictim Indigo for the tribute image. Should his/her given name be made public, I will rectify it accordingly.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional charges may be filed as veterinary reports and evidence analysis are completed.

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Columbus 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.

Mugshot and pictures shared from the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office

For more animal cruelty stories, please click here. Thank you!