ANIMAL CRUELTY REPORTED IN CALHOUN

(07/03/2006)
The Calhoun County Sheriff's Department is investigating reports of starving and mistreated dogs on Nicut near the Braxton County line.

Neighbors, who videotaped the area, allege that the owner is not properly taking care of the animals and creating a health hazard.

Sheriff Carl Ballengee says he is investigating the matter.

The incident comes on the heels of the arrest of a Roane County woman, 71-year-old Helen Franklin, who is facing six counts of animal cruelty after authorities seized 57 dogs from her Speed farm. The woman had surrendered an additional 29 dogs to authorities the previous week

Roane County animal shelter manager Sandy Bush said the sight was "unbelievable" with feces in the dwelling and on the property.

Twenty-seven of the dogs were found crammed into a tiny metal barn.

The animals have been taken to shelters.

Over 100 dogs, cats and rabbits were rescued from a Preston County location last week, with animal cruelty charges pending.