POCOMOKE, MD - The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people in Pocomoke on multiple animal abuse charges including felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, they were first alerted to possible animal cruelty at a home on Bonneville Avenue on October 2nd. Animal Control Officers say they immediately found two dogs in a crate on the front porch, one of them dead, with further evidence of more neglected dogs.
Police also say the residents of the home refused to meet with the responding Animal Control Officers. A warrant was obtained and authorities searched the home.
Two more dogs were allegedly found inside, “extremely emaciated,” according to police, and without food or water. Authorities then seized the surviving dogs, which are now being treated by a local veterinarian, the Sheriff’s Office says.
The residents of the home, Kierra Sturgis, 31, and Lemond Williams, 47, were arrested and each charged with 36 counts of animal cruelty and neglect, including four counts of felony Aggravated Animal Cruelty. Police say both were held without bond awaiting trial.