STANLEY MAN CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY

By Jon Mayhew
Publisher

STANLEY -- Lincoln County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a case of animal cruelty involving dogs after serving an eviction notice at 1955 Cabin Lane, Stanley, on 32-year-old Terrance Lee Vanepps Jr. What a deputy discovered outside the apartment was shocking, and the former tenant of that apartment is now in jail.

Officer Steve Issac discovered a dog that was dead and decomposing along with nine other malnourished dogs in the back yard outside the apartment. Inside the apartment, he discovered two more dogs and two pups along with large snakes, lizards and ferrets. All the pets inside were in good condition and had water and food.

The outside dogs did not have food or potable water and were in very poor condition. A veterinarian has been called in to evaluate the condition of the dogs. The snakes, ferrets and lizards will be returned to the pet shop where they were purchased and the owner signed cards turning the other animals over to Lincoln County Animal Services.

Vanepps, who is now living at 5263 Farran Street, Stanley, is charged with 10 counts of Cruelty to Animals, 12 counts of Failing to have animals vaccinated for rabies, and one count of Failing to bury a dead animal. He is in the Harven A. Crouse Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond.