BRUNSWICK COUNTY — An Oak Island man has been charged with nine counts of animal cruelty after authorities found he was keeping cats in “deplorable conditions” without access to food or water.
According to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), animal control officers arrested William Ronald Gore, Jr., a 39-year-old Oak Island resident, after serving a search warrant on his home.
“Nine cats, one deceased, were found in deplorable conditions and found to be deprived of necessary sustenance. The cats were taken to the shelter where they will be treated and monitored by Animal Care Specialists,” according to BCSO.
Gore had already been arrested for a parole violation on Monday, April 1. He was served with the animal cruelty charges on Tuesday at the Brunswick County Detention Facility. He is currently being held on a $5,000 secured bond for the parole violation, and a separate $5,000 secured bond for animal cruelty.
According to BCSO, Gore signed ownership of the cats over to the Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services Unit where they will continue to be treated and monitored.
