NEW HANOVER COUNTY — The 37 dogs rescued during an animal cruelty bust last month are in good homes, for now.
The dogs were removed from the Fairford Road home of Anita Brown in July; Brown was arrested after a months-long investigation by the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office and repeated warning from the Animal Services Unit to improve the living conditions for the dogs.
Brown was arrested and charged with 37 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She was later released on a $19,000 bond.
According to Lieutenant Jason Augst, spokesman for the Sheriff’s Office, all of the dogs have been placed in temporary homes through the Animal Services Unit.
“All of the dogs have been fostered out,” Augst said. “They’ll remain fostered until there is a disposition (final decision) in the case.”
The dogs will remain in foster care, though they will serve as evidence in Brown’s trial. A court date not yet been set, according to Augst.
The trial judge will have the final say over the fate of the dogs.
“What happens to the dogs after the trial will be up to the judge,” Augst said. “The judge will make a decision, whether the dogs stay in foster care or can be adopted out.”
The judge could also potentially return the dogs to Brown, Augst said.
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