2 arrested after 6 dogs recovered from evicted home in NC

RUTHERFORDTON, N.C. (WSPA) – A Forest City man and woman were charged with six counts of animal cruelty after dogs were seized from an evicted home in Rutherford County.

The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence Friday in the area of Newton Cole Road near Jacobs Lane about a call regarding trespassing.

While en route, deputies noticed numerous dogs that appeared to be malnourished outside the home. Officials said the residence has been vacant since the previous tenant was evicted in late February.

One dog was found in what deputies called a makeshift kennel that was wired shut with no door. Feces were all over the kennel, due to the dog being unable to get out according to authorities.

Deputies also heard barking coming from inside the home. Once inside, law enforcement found another dog inside a crate that had been zip-tied shut and covered with a blanket.

Animal Control was called to the scene. Six animals were transported to the Rutherford County Animal Shelter according to the sheriff’s office.

Officials identified the suspected neglecters as 31-year-old Justin Robert Buckner and 25-year-old Brandi Breann Laughlin. Both were charged with animal cruelty.

Buckner was located Saturday at a residence on Jacobs Lane. Along with his six charges, he was also charged with the possession of methamphetamine and possess drug paraphernalia not for marijuana.

Authorities located Laughlin also at a home on Jacobs Lane. Deputies said Laughlin was taken into custody Sunday after she was discovered hiding underneath a blanket.

Laughlin was given a $4,500 bond according to deputies. Buckner is being held without bond in reference to a pre-trial release.

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