6 animals seized from residence will remain in CHS custody

According to the CHS, four dogs and two cats were removed from the residence of Rhonda Brown at Pecan Acres after Steele Animal Control officers contacted CHS about the possibility of abuse and neglect.

Investigators said two of the animals were near death when the warrant was served, with the others being covered by fleas and mange. They added that one animal was chained to a tree where it could only sit or stand and another was in a small cage out in the heat.

Sgt. Randy Trimm, of the Steele Police Department, and CHS Cruelty Investigator Karol Wilcox testified against Brown, as Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Wynes had them describe the conditions at the scene and of the animals. Brown testified in her own defense. After both testimonies were heard, Judge Keith Currie ruled that the animals would remain in the custody of the CHS for rehabilitation and treatment.

"This is a good day for those animals," said CHS Manager Erma Page.

"They are in very poor condition and are fighting for their lives. Now we can take care of them and try to nurse them back to health."

Page said she is thankful for the cooperation of the Steele Police Department, Steele Animal Control, the Pemiscot County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and Judge Currie.

"We are just grateful that we have such good cooperation in our county," Page said. "These animals deserve to be taken care of."

All information in the case has been turned over to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office for the consideration of the filing of formal charges.