Former Corinth city employee and his fiancée face 27 counts of animal cruelty charges

In a heartbreaking case of animal neglect, a north Mississippi animal shelter is currently caring for 27 dogs whose owners have been charged with animal cruelty. The owners, Jonathan Hurst and his fiance Sondra Bullard, are facing misdemeanor charges after authorities found the dogs in deplorable conditions at their Pleasant Grove Road home. The Corinth Alcorn Animal Shelter, where the dogs are now being cared for, is hoping that this case will shed light on the state’s weak animal protection laws, which have been ranked as among the weakest in the nation.

The discovery of the neglected dogs came after a tip from a concerned neighbor led the Corinth police to the property. Inside the home, police and shelter staff found malnourished and sick dogs without access to food or water. The heartbreaking scene included mixed breed dogs of varying ages, some hiding under furniture and others standing on it. The floors were covered in feces and urine, and one puppy was found dead and scavenged by the other dogs.

Meridith Perry, the interim director of the Corinth Alcorn Animal Shelter, expressed that cases like this are unfortunately not uncommon. The shelter is currently over capacity due to taking in the rescued dogs, who are in need of medical care and rehabilitation. The owners, Hurst and Bullard, have been charged with 27 counts of animal cruelty, one for each dog found on the property.

Hurst, who was a city employee in Corinth, was terminated from his job following the arrest. The city is also considering demolishing the contaminated home where the dogs were found, as it is deemed unsalvageable. Mississippi’s animal protection laws have been criticized for their leniency, with the state ranking 45th in the nation for animal protection statutes.

Under Mississippi law, a charge of simple animal cruelty includes neglecting or depriving a dog or cat of adequate shelter, food, or water. The penalties for such a charge include up to six months in jail or a $1,000 fine, or both. Hurst and Bullard could face up to 13 ½ years in jail, $27,000 in fines, or both if convicted of all 27 charges. Perry emphasized the need for stronger consequences for animal cruelty, noting that in other states, animal cruelty can be charged as a felony rather than a misdemeanor.

The rescued dogs from the Corinth home are currently recovering, with some already placed in foster homes out of state. The shelter is grateful for the outpouring of support from the community and donors who have provided food, supplies, and financial assistance for the dogs‘ care. Adoptions are currently discounted at the shelter to help make space for the rescued dogs, with some of the younger and healthier dogs ready for adoption or transport in the coming weeks.

As the case unfolds in court, the Corinth Alcorn Animal Shelter continues to provide care and support for the rescued dogs. The hope is that this tragic situation will bring attention to the need for stronger animal protection laws in Mississippi and ensure that those responsible for animal cruelty are held accountable. For more information on how to help the shelter or updates on the rescued dogs, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/corinthalcornanimalshelter.