Abandoned Dogs Responding To Treatment, Sheriff Says
Owner Charged With Animal Cruelty
Image: Mercer County Humane Society
One of two malnourished dogs recovered by law enforcement and animal control last week.
Robert Moore
Herald Staff
rmoore@harrodsburgherald.com
Sheriff Ernie Kelty say the abused dogs discovered last week are responding to treatment.
According to the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, a couple who formerly lived in Mercer County moved to Liberty about four months ago, leaving behind their dogs. The sheriff’s office received two calls last Tuesday reporting the dogs were malnourished. Investigators found one of the dogs running loose while the other was locked in a cage. Both were taken to Commonwealth Animal Hospital in Harrodsburg for treatment.
The owners, Michael and Katrina Cain, admitted they had left the dogs behind. Chief Dep. Wes Gaddis is leading the investigation. He told WTVQ the Cains were apologetic.
“Life got in the way. And they were overwhelmed with other issues,” Gaddies told WTVQ.
Michael Cain is scheduled to appear in Mercer County District Court on Monday, June 27. Cain has been charged with four counts of 2nd degree cruelty to animals according to kycourts.net. That’s a class A misdemeanor and each count is punishable by up to 12 months in jail.
The sheriff’s office said the Cains may also face charges because one of the dogs was trained to be a fighting dog.
Sheriff Kelty said he’d checked in on the dogs and they were responding to treatment, but one of the dogs was taking longer to recuperate.
“It will take a little while but they both are responding to treatment,” Kelty said.
Donations to cover the the vet costs can be made directly to Commonwealth Animal Hospital by calling 859-734-2245.
This is INFURIATING. Kentucky has abysmal animal protection laws. Odds are he will get a slap on the wrist, and she hasn’t even been charged! They should both receive the maximum sentence. It’s past time to send a VERY strong message.