ABBEVILLE, Ala. (WDNews) — A Henry County man has been arrested after investigators discovered 28 dead dogs and numerous others living in what authorities described as deplorable conditions during the execution of a search warrant.
According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on July 31 when the agency’s Aviation Unit was conducting an aerial search for stolen property. During the flight, Sheriff Eric Blankenship observed multiple dog kennels that appeared to be in extremely poor condition, prompting an immediate investigation.
Investigators later obtained a search warrant and, with members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division and the Henry County Task Force, searched a property in the 3000 block of County Road 37.
During the search, authorities found 28 deceased dogs in kennels at various stages of decomposition. Investigators also found numerous live dogs being housed in what the sheriff’s office described as severely unsanitary, neglected and unhealthy conditions. Officials said the surviving animals were living in filth and showed signs consistent with prolonged neglect.
As a result of the investigation, Amos Wylie Herndon Jr., 64, of Abbeville, was arrested Aug. 3. He is charged with 28 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and 10 counts of cruelty to animals.
Herndon was transported to the Henry County Jail, where he was booked on bonds totaling $480,000. The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be filed.
Sheriff Eric Blankenship praised the deputies and investigators involved in the case and said the discovery highlights the value of the department’s Aviation Unit.
“I want to thank every deputy, investigator, and member of our team who worked tirelessly on this heartbreaking case. We often hear criticism that the Aviation Unit is a waste of taxpayers’ money, despite the fact that the program receives zero funding from the Henry County Commission. This investigation demonstrates exactly how valuable the Aviation Unit is to our community. Because of the observations made from the air, we were able to uncover these horrific conditions and rescue the surviving dogs before more lives were lost.”
Blankenship also described the conditions investigators encountered at the property.
“In all my years in law enforcement, I have never witnessed dogs being kept in such severely unsanitary, parasite-infested, and inhumane conditions. This level of neglect is beyond comprehension. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Henry County, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes.”
