LEE COUNTY — Authorities are investigating possible animal welfare violations after a report of a dog attack led to the discovery of hundreds of animals living in poor conditions in the Plantersville area.
On January 5, 2026, Lee County Animal Control, operated under contract by North Mississippi Animal Care and Control Association, responded to a report in the Plantersville area regarding multiple dogs roaming at large and an alleged dog-on-dog attack on a nearby property.
During the response and initial assessment, Animal Control officers identified serious animal welfare concerns at a home located near the complainant.
When Animal Control officers initially observed approximately 40–50 dogs living in unsanitary and unsuitable conditions. Continued investigation revealed the presence of approximately 200 dogs and one horse on the property.
While some of the animals appeared to be in relatively fair physical condition, the overall living environment was determined to be inadequate and not conducive to proper animal welfare standards.
Due to the severity of the conditions observed, Lee County Animal Control requested assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department to document the conditions on the property and to initiate a criminal investigation related to potential felony-level animal neglect violations.
An animal pickup order was subsequently issued by Lee County Justice Court. Lee County Animal Control has taken possession of several dogs and is actively coordinating the safe removal of the remaining animals from the property to appropriate care facilities.
The Criminal Investigation Division of the Lee County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating this matter at the request of Lee County Animal Control. Criminal charges are possible pending the outcome of the investigation.
