Two Piedmont Residents Charged With Animal Cruelty in Cherokee County
CENTRE– Two Piedmont residents face misdemeanor animal cruelty charges following an investigation into several reportedly malnourished dogs at a Cherokee County residence.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded earlier this month to a home on County Road 24 after receiving a report concerning the animals.
Upon arrival, deputies found one dog suffering from a severe injury. Cherokee County Animal Control then transported the injured dog for emergency care.
Following the investigation, authorities obtained arrest warrants for David Canipe, 64, and Dimples Canipe, 57. Each faces one misdemeanor count of cruelty to animals.
Sheriff’s Office officials thanked Cherokee County Animal Control for assisting with the investigation and helping the animals receive necessary care.
Animal Shelter Issues Statement
Following the reports of the arrests, the Cherokee County Animal Shelter issued a statement thanking the Sheriff’s Office for its assistance and professionalism during the investigation.
Shelter officials said animal cruelty investigations rarely involve only one agency. In Alabama, successful investigations require cooperation between Animal Control and law enforcement.
Through that partnership, agencies combine their knowledge, resources, and legal authority. As a result, they can investigate cases, protect animal welfare, and pursue appropriate legal action when warranted.
Additionally, the shelter encouraged residents to report suspected animal neglect, abuse, or mistreatment. Officials emphasized that agencies cannot investigate situations unless someone notifies them.
Although people may post concerns on social media, those posts do not always reach agencies with authority to investigate. Therefore, the shelter urged residents to report suspected cruelty directly.
“Even if you’re unsure whether a situation meets the legal definition of cruelty, we would rather you call and let us determine that than have an animal continue to suffer because no report was ever made,” the shelter stated.
Officials said they take every report seriously and investigate within the limits of the law and available evidence.
The charges against David Canipe and Dimples Canipe remain allegations. As a result, the law presumes both individuals innocent unless a court finds them guilty.
Editor’s note: This story was updated to include a statement issued by the Cherokee County Animal Shelter following the original publication.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Warns Residents About Convincing Phone Scams
Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office to Host Glock Training Courses
You must be logged in to post a comment.