Newton couple ordered never to own animals again
A Newton couple was ordered never to own animals again after being found guilty of a combined 26 counts of cruelty to animals, restraining dogs in a cruel manner and other charges.
Michael Hedrick, 30, and Sarah Sims, 27, also were each sentenced to three days in jail, 18 months of probation and 24 hours of community service, according to a recent ruling by Catawba County District Court Judge Robert Mullinax.
The couple also must pay a combined $2,517 to the Catawba County Animal Shelter, Mullinax ordered.
Sheriff’s Officer Jenna Arsenault went to the couple’s home three times, initially to investigate a report of an aggressive dog, prosecutors said.
The officer found six dogs with no food or water wearing choke collars and chains that were too heavy and too short. One of them had a chain padlocked around its neck, prosecutors said.
Sims told the officer she “didn’t care” what happened to the dogs, and Hedrick threatened to kill Arsenault if she returned to the property, according to the Catawba County District Attorney’s Office.
The dogs were deemed to be in imminent danger and were seized by sheriff’s deputies and Catawba County Animal Control officers on Aug. 18.
Joe Marusak: 704-358-5067, @jmarusak
This story was originally published November 21, 2015 at 2:41 PM with the headline "Newton couple ordered never to own animals again."