Responding to reports of ongoing animal abuse, Athens police seized several dogs and charged a man with animal cruelty at a West Bank Street property on September 9.

Officers arrived to find numerous aggressive dogs running loose. The owner was unable to control them, prompting assistance from the Athens Animal Shelter, McMinn County Humane Society, and local fire crews. Three dogs were captured outside, and a search warrant led to the recovery of four more inside the home.

Authorities say the owner admitted earlier this year that he had allowed a mother dog and six puppies to starve to death. The animals seized were taken to the Humane Society for treatment.

The man now faces multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty, neglect, and facilitation of neglect. He also allegedly threatene

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