A Stone County woman has been charged with six counts of animal cruelty after driving her puppies ten miles away from home to dump them.
Within the last month, The Stone County Sheriff’s Office has responded to Tabatha Weddington’s residence, in the Big Level Community. Deputies responded to the residence in reference to complaints of her dogs running around on other’s property. However, upon speaking with Tabatha, the dogs were back on her property.
Tabatha advised she would contain the dogs and deputies also told her of resources available to surrender the puppies, if she chose to.
On August 24th, a concerned citizen reported six puppies were at the Red Creek Bridge, near Highway 26. The abandoned dogs were without food, shelter, and a clean adequate water source. Deputies secured the animals and they immediately began to eat.
Through investigation, review of body camera footage, and photographs, investigators were able to identify the dogs as belonging to Tabatha Weddington.
These dogs were found approximately ten miles from Weddington’s residence. Further investigation revealed Weddington brought the dogs to the bridge on Highway 26.
All facts and circumstances were presented to Stone County Justice Court Judge Kevin Hines. Judge Hines signed warrants, charging Tabatha with six counts of Cat or Dog, Simple Cruelty. Tabatha was issued a $500 bond for each charge, totaling her bond at $3,000.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind people, other resources are available to people to surrender animals safely. There are also programs and assistance with the spay and neutering of pets.
If you see animals being dumped, please get a tag number or suspect description, and report it to the sheriff’s office.
