Sevier News Messenger Sevier County News and Opinion
The owner of a dog found in such poor condition that its ribs and spine were visible has been arrested for animal cruelty.
According to Sevier County Sheriff Ron Seals, a tip led the department’s animal control unit to respond to a home on Kodak Road in Kodak on Nov. 18, 2016 where officers discovered the dog in the home, emaciated and in poor condition. They transported the dog to a local veterinary clinic for examination and treatment.
Nicholas Lee Payne
Officers arrested the dog’s owner, 29-year-old Nicholas Lee Payne, on Nov. 21, 2016 for Aggravated Animal Cruelty and booked him into the Sevier County Jail. He was released on a $4000 bond and a hearing date has been set for Jan. 9, 2017.
Payne surrendered the dog to authorities. Pets Without Parents in Sevierville agreed to care for the dog and place it for adoption when it has recovered. Donations for the dog’s care can be made in person at 901 Mize Lane in Sevierville or by visiting the shelter’s website.
All persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
starve this despicable poor excuse of a human being. An eye for an eye. I HATE animal abusers. Big man he is to starve a helpless innocent animal. Rot in hell.