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'It was very disturbing'

By Tara Fasol, The Southern

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 10:59 PM CDT

COLP - The conditions were unthinkable and the stench almost intolerable, Williamson County officials said during a Wednesday press conference regarding the recent rescue of nearly four dozen dogs from a Colp residence.

Williamson County Sheriff Tom Cundiff said his department was contacted by animal control officials and launched an investigation into the mistreatment of animals by Colp resident John Young Sr., 41, residing at 301 Madison St.

At that location, deputies and detectives found 46 dogs living in a trailer, an abandoned car, and outdoor pens.

"These animals weren't given names. They were named by the number," Cundiff said. "It is very disturbing. Think about caring for 47 dogs."

Young was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. He posted $100 cash - 10 percent of a $1,000 bond - to be released.

Cundiff said animal control had received numerous complaints, over the course of several months, of dogs running at large in Colp. A trap was placed and one of the dogs was captured. It was determined the animal belonged to Young and a subsequent investigation revealed the living conditions of the other 46 dogs, Cundiff said.

Williamson County Court records show more than 16 ordinance violations for Young since 2007. Those included citations for dogs running at large and failure to inoculate.

Animal control officials contacted the Williamson County Sheriff's Department on March 17 and a warrant was issued for a search of the premises on March 19.

During the press conference, a video was shown of the rescue and the interior of the trailer. Cundiff and Detective Jill Blus offered commentary on the video shown.

"There are several pictures that are probably going to nauseate you," Cundiff said.

A dilapidated trailer was shown on the video while Blus explained that the conditions inside had gotten so bad that Young had moved himself, his live-in girlfriend, and possibly his son into a van parked outside.

"You're not getting the full effect of the odors that go along with this," Blus said.

Young was shown in the video cracking open the trailer door and reaching inside for one of several dogs desperate to escape the feces-ridden living quarters.

Young picked up several dogs and carried the animals to trucks, where they were loaded into animal control transportation kennels.

The interior of the trailer was also shown on video. The floor couldn't be seen; it was under several inches of animal excrement, which also covered furniture and walls.

Officials said it was difficult to walk down the hallway of the small trailer because of the amount of feces on the floor.

Cundiff said it appeared that the dogs were fed on the floor and were forced to eat amid the waste.

Outside the trailer an abandoned car also served as a makeshift kennel for six dogs.

"They were not being let out," Cundiff said. "They were being fed and watered in the car."

The conditions inside the vehicle were similar to those in the trailer.

"We had seven females (dogs) that were nursing and very few puppies," the sheriff said. "We don't believe there is water at the residence."

Cundiff said the trailer had electricity and an extension cord was being run to the van where Young, his son and his girlfriend were living.

"He told me that he treats those dogs like family," Blus said. "I don't think anybody treats their family like that. I don't think I've even seen anything like this before."

Blus said some of the animals were injured, but none were dead.

An animal behavioral specialist was called to examine the adoptability of the dogs; Cundiff said she only suggested five dogs and three puppies out of the 47 were suitable for adoption.

Blus said many of the dogs are not used to being around people and may present a risk for a new owner.

Cundiff said that means the unadoptable dogs would most likely be euthanized, although no decision on their future has been made.

tara.fasol@thesouthern.com / 351-5824