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Knox County Pet Sitter Charged with Animal Cruelty
Knox County, animal cruelty, pet sitter, animal welfare, neglect, charges, accountability, pets, responsibility.
Knoxville, Tennessee – Haylee Morris, a Knox County pet sitter, has been charged with two counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, two counts of cruelty to animals, and violation of rabies laws for not vaccinating animals. The charges stem from a large animal cruelty case that saw at least 25 animals recovered and 25 more animals reported dead.
The initial case that sparked an investigation by the Knox County Sheriff’s Office involved a woman who claimed that her dog was not fed for days. The claims were verified by a veterinarian, leading to the investigation. Responding officers reported the house to be in extremely poor condition, with a strong smell of urine emitting from the home and animal hair covering the trim on the inside of the windows.
Seven additional reports were filed at Morris’ home, leading to the charges filed against her. According to a report from September 2022, Morris had adopted 15 animals from Young-Williams Animal Center, and only one of them was alive when the report was made. The animals that died included eight rabbits, two birds, two hamsters, a dog, and a cat.
Animal cruelty is a serious crime, and it is important to ensure that individuals who neglect animals in their care are held accountable for their actions. The charges filed against Morris are a reminder that pet owners and pet sitters have a responsibility to provide proper care for their animals.
Pet owners should always research and carefully vet any individuals or companies they hire to care for their pets. It is also important to report any suspected cases of animal cruelty to the authorities. By working together, we can ensure that animals are treated with the care and respect they deserve.
The charges filed against Haylee Morris should serve as a reminder of the importance of animal welfare. With proper care and attention, animals can bring joy and companionship to our lives. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are treated with the respect and care they deserve.
Source: WBIR and WVLT/Gray News
