By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
BEAUREGARD, Ala. — A disturbing animal cruelty investigation is underway in Lee County after authorities discovered 29 dead dogs discarded in plastic bags and piled in the backyard of a Beauregard home, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Jay Jones said deputies responded around 10:45 a.m. Monday to a call from a concerned citizen reporting possible animal cruelty in the 8100 block of Lee Road 146. Upon arriving at the residence, deputies made a gruesome discovery.
Investigators found approximately 29 dead dogs in the backyard, many of them stuffed inside plastic bags and thrown into a pile. The animals ranged in age from puppies to adult dogs, the sheriff said.
Inside the home, deputies discovered about 24 additional dogs still alive, but the animals appeared to be severely emaciated, raising further concerns about prolonged neglect.
Lee County Animal Control was called to the scene and took custody of the surviving dogs. Their condition is being evaluated, and officials say efforts are underway to provide appropriate care.
Three people who lived at the residence — Curtis Dewayne Haralson, 63; Patricia Ann Sims, 54; and Tiffany Ann Sims, 27 — were taken into custody and booked into the Lee County Jail.
Sheriff Jones said the investigation remains ongoing and that all three individuals are likely to face felony charges related to animal cruelty.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the case to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).