MOORESBURG — The Hawkins County Sheriff’s Office is investigating allegations that a man moved out of a Mooresburg residence last year, abandoning a dog inside that was later found dead.
The Times-News is withholding the name of the suspect because he is the subject of an open investigation, but has not been charged.
Janice Ridley told the HCSO Friday that she had purchased 1831 Slate Hill Road in Mooresburg at a property auction in Rogersville about two weeks earlier.
HCSO Deputy Jeremy Nash stated in his report Ridley told him Friday she noticed a dog lying in the floor of the master bedroom upon entering the residence.
“Janice stated that the dog was not moving, and she checked the dog and it was deceased,” Nash said.
“Janice stated she had been contacted by the previous owner in regards to moving some of his personal belongings.
“I have had previous contact with (the previous owner) earlier in 2012, and believe that it was his personal residence for the time period in which the dog was left there.”
Ridley told Nash she believes the previous owner had abandoned the residence three to four months before she bought the property.
“Based on this information, (the previous owner’s) actions or lack of actions resulted in the inhumane treatment, and ultimately the death of the animal,” Nash added.
The previous owner of the property had not been contacted by investigators to give his statement about the incident as of Monday.