Three individuals are confronting more than one hundred criminal charges after authorities in Alabama made a horrific discovery at a residential property, finding nearly thirty deceased dogs and dozens more in a severely malnourished state.
Gruesome Discovery in Beauregard
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to an address in the Beauregard community on Monday, 12th January 2026, following a call from a concerned neighbour. What they uncovered was a scene of profound animal neglect and suffering.
An investigation revealed the bodies of 29 dogs had been placed inside plastic bags and discarded in a large pile in the backyard of the home. Inside the property, authorities recovered 24 additional dogs alive, but all were described as being in an "emaciated" condition.
Three Suspects Face 111 Charges
Three people who resided at the address were swiftly taken into custody. They have been identified as Curtis Dewayne Haralson, 63, Patricia Ann Sims, 54, and Tiffany Ann Sims, 27. All three were transported to the Lee County Jail.
Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed the trio collectively face a staggering 111 charges. The charges include eight felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 29 misdemeanour counts of failure to bury livestock.
A bond of $48,700 has been set for each defendant. Under relevant state law, a first conviction for aggravated animal cruelty can carry a prison sentence of one to five years.
Aftermath and a Separate Case of Cruelty
In the wake of the discovery, the Animal Health Center of Opelika has announced that the 24 rescued dogs are now available for adoption, offering a chance for these animals to find safe and loving homes.
This distressing case emerges shortly after another alleged incident of animal cruelty gained attention. In Queens, New York, 68-year-old Dan Bujor was arrested and charged with animal cruelty after a witness recorded video of him driving with two dogs tied to the back of his Volkswagen Passat.
His dogs, a German Shepherd and a pit bull, were seen struggling to keep pace with the vehicle. Both pets were later recovered and taken to an ASPCA facility in Manhattan. Bujor faces up to a year in jail if convicted.
