Kingsport, TN – Two people have been arrested on felony animal cruelty charges after authorities found 13 allegedly malnourished dogs, including 11 puppies, outside a Kingsport home without nearby food or water, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the sheriff’s office, a deputy was dispatched shortly before 4 p.m. Monday to the 200 block of Riddle Street after receiving a report of multiple dogs outside a residence without food or water.
The deputy found 11 puppies and two adult dogs. Authorities said the animals allegedly had a severe flea infestation, were malnourished with visible ribs and had bloated bellies.
Investigators said there was no food or water nearby. One of the dogs was allegedly chained to a pile of sheet metal and also had no food or water available.
Sullivan County animal control officers removed all 13 dogs from the property. Authorities said Tuesday that the animals were undergoing medical evaluations.
Deputies initially could not locate the people who lived at the residence. Authorities later identified them as 62-year-old Timothy Mays and 38-year-old Amy Beam.
According to the sheriff’s office, warrants were issued Monday, and deputies arrested Mays and Beam on Tuesday. Both are charged with felony aggravated animal cruelty.
No bond had been set for either person as of the sheriff’s office announcement. Both were expected to be arraigned Wednesday morning.
The charges are allegations, and Mays and Beam are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
