Lauderdale County, Alabama – The District Attorney in Alabama has filed a complaint regarding 29 dogs that were removed from a home in July, aiming for their adoption.
On July 1, authorities seized these dogs from the residence of Stephen Reynolds and Teresa Counse, situated on County Road in Lauderdale County. While in custody at an animal shelter in Lauderdale, four puppies were born.
The lawsuit was submitted on July 23, requesting a judge’s permission for the dogs to be adopted out.
The complaint asserts that Reynolds and Counse cannot adequately care for the dogs in question. According to a statement from the Lauderdale County Sheriff to Nexter, this is the same residence where 82 dogs had previously been found.
In light of the conditions, officials initiated a criminal investigation into the couple, as detailed in court documents.
Included in the court filings is a report from Chief Inspector Macy Hughes following a second visit to the home.
Hughes described how, alongside Sergeant Dylan Hogue, they entered a shed where they discovered 29 dogs. He noted that many were trapped in a metal box, unable to access food or water, and he was struck by the overwhelming odor of urine and feces.
The District Attorney’s request for permission to adopt out the dogs also stipulates that Reynolds and Counse will be financially responsible for the dogs’ care and housing expenses.
Prior to the search in July, the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Office had received several reports about the large number of dogs at that residence. Following earlier charges of animal abuse in February, Counse had agreed to relinquish ownership of her dogs to an animal shelter as part of an agreement.
The contract allowed the Sheriff’s Office to search the property without a warrant.
When investigators returned in July, they couldn’t reach anyone at the home, though they could hear multiple dogs barking inside the shed.
After breaking in, they found the 29 dogs living under similar conditions as reported before. Animal control officers assessed the situation, which remains under investigation.
Those interested in adopting one of the dogs, pending court approval, must complete a specific form provided by Florence-Lauderdale Animal Services to be considered.
