Moore County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a man who they say is a suspect in an animal cruelty case the department is investigating.
Sheriff Ronnie Fields reported in a press release that on July 9, deputies with the Moore County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services responded to a call regarding a stray dog in the area of Woodglen Way in Pinebluff.
Upon arrival, deputies located a “severely emaciated dog wandering the neighborhood.” Through follow-up investigation and information provided by concerned residents, deputies were able to identify the address where the dog had been living.
When deputies made contact at a residence in the 100 block of Woodglen Way, “they discovered one dog deceased on the property and another in a similarly emaciated condition to the stray initially found.”
Local rescue groups were immediately contacted for assistance with the remaining two dogs, but they all reported they were at capacity and unable to accommodate them. After a day of providing care and treatment, the health of both dogs continued to deteriorate, and they had to be euthanized to prevent further suffering.
The investigation led deputies to identify the owner of the animals as Rodney Morrison. Deputies spoke with Morrison multiple times, but attempts to have him return to the scene and cooperate with law enforcement failed, said Fields.
Based on the evidence obtained, deputies executed a search warrant at the residence to ensure no additional animals were in distress within the home or on the property.
Following the investigation, arrest warrants were obtained for Morrison on three counts of felony cruelty to animals. These warrants are currently outstanding, as Morrison is currently evading service by the Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is one of the worst cases of animal neglect and cruelty I’ve seen in many years,” said Fields. “There is no excuse for the suffering these animals endured. I strongly encourage anyone who has information on Rodney Anthony Morrison’s whereabouts to contact our office immediately.”
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Morrison is urged to contact the Moore County Sheriff’s Office at 910-947-2931, submit a tip on the Moore County Sheriff’s Office App, or submit a tip anonymously via the Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 910-947-4444.
Photo: Rodney Morrison is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law—photo via Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
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*Press release issued by Moore County Sheriff’s Office.
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