Three Kingsport residents have been arrested following the recent heat exhaustion death of a dog, allegedly left tied to a post with no water or protection from the sun.
The suspects were indicted last Tuesday by a Sullivan County grand jury on charges of aggravated animal cruelty. Kingsport Police Department Code Enforcement Officer Melanie Adkins says they were arrested Friday, with charges also pending against a fourth individual.
Losha L. Detamore, 32, Telda D. Detamore, 34, and William D. Comerford, 71, each of 650 Donelson Drive, had bond set at $10,000 each. Losha and Telda have posted bond and been released while Comerford remains incarcerated.
On May 31 Kingsport police were called to the suspects' residence, locating a dead Pomeranian. An incident report states the residents had left the animal tied to a post in the backyard "for a period of time" without food, water or protection from the sun.
KPD Officer Adkins and Sullivan County Assistant District Attorney Julie Canter said witnesses observed the animal in distress before it died. They were reportedly waiting for an animal shelter to open, not knowing they could dial 911 for such an incident.
Adkins and Canter encouraged the public to call 911 if an animal appears in immediate distress.
"We can prevent this type of thing as a community if we work together," said Canter.