Animal Shelter Raid Reveals Abuse

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tuesday morning investigators with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office and the Shelby County District Attorneys Office raided the Memphis Animal Shelter after allegations of animal abuse and cruelty.

Mayor AC Wharton says, "The key now is to get this phase of the investigation completed."

The investigation came to life after a citizen complaint. The allegations according to the search warrant suggest animals here were deprived of food and water and that some dogs had been starved to death.

Sheriff Luttrell says, "Were seeing some examples of unsanitary conditions some animals are malnourished."

Tuesday morning Mayor Wharton relieved the director and ten employees of their duties during the investigation. Volunteers will staff the facility while detectives continue their investigation.

Mayor Wharton says, "When it comes to animals I want a facility that is beyond reproach that's the least you can ask for I won't stop till we get that."

Tuesday volunteers from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Association evaluate the conditions of the 200 plus animals kept in the shelter.

Sheriff Luttrell says, "We know there are several in bad condition the assessments will continues by the veterinarians today we should have the triage part of this completed in about a day or two."

Animal lovers applaud the raid. They say it's long over due for the cats and dogs that don't have a voice in the face their conditions.

Deborah Gibson says, "I don't know if they're burnt out or what it is but they don't seem to care."