By Staff Report
A Chipley man is behind bars on multiple counts of animal cruelty after a report came into the Washington County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 6.
WCSO deputies arrived at a piece of property on Ambassador Drive and made contact with the owner who stated she had owned the property for years but had not visited in more than a year.
According to WCSO, the owner and deputies saw several dogs that appeared to be malnourished and were chained up with no access to water.
Attempts to make contact with the adjacent property owner, 64-year-old Johnny Lee Washington were unsuccessful.
WCSO contacted animal control in an attempt to remove the animals. As deputies waited for animal control to arrive, Washington returned to his property who was then informed that he was trespassing on the adjacent property.A release from WCSO says Washington agreed and stated all he wanted to do is remove his dogs from her property.
In light of Washington trespassing, housing dogs on another property and the conditions the dogs were discovered, WCSO applied for and was granted a search warrant for Washington’s property.
The search of Washington’s property resulted in more than 30 dogs being located on three adjoining properties.
Washington is charged with trespassing, 27 counts of animal cruelty, aggravated animal cruelty and resisting arrest.
All dogs are being evaluated by veterinarians. Additional charges may be forthcoming.
KINSLEY COOK
What kind of dogs were they?
He has been living here for over 3 years,breeding and starving the dogs.i called last year,they came out and animal control told me they were fine
I dont know you let this sick animal out. he should have been under the jail