HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee (WKRN) — David Hendrix, 57, of Hendersonville was charged with nine counts of aggravated animal cruelty after nine dogs were found in his pitch-black home where the floors were caked with inches of feces and compacted with garbage and bones from other dead dogs, according to the police.
According to an affidavit obtained by News 2, a neighbor complained to the city codes department about an infestation of large rats in the home on Savely Drive, overgrown shrubbery, concerns that the dogs were not being cared for and a foul odor coming from the property that was in the area. corresponded to something that was dead.
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When a code agent arrived at the house, Hendrix told him there were about 10 dogs inside and some of them may have been dead, the affidavit said.
Hendrix added that no one had lived in the house for four to five years, the dogs hadn’t been outside during that time, and he fed the dogs through a crack in the door. Hendrix then told the officer, “I’m sorry for what you’re about to see,” and said he would go to jail, according to court records.
When Hendersonville police detectives asked Hendrix why he wasn’t helping the dogs he thought might be dead, Hendrix replied that he couldn’t get to them because of the other dogs in the house, according to the affidavit.
Hendrix added that he and his wife “take the best possible care of” [the dogs] that they can,” the data said.
Animal Rescue Corps, the group that took in the dogs, said the animals have multiple health problems, including exposure to ammonia, pressure sores, eye and ear infections, and one of the dogs was completely blind, likely as a result of the ammonia exposure.
In addition, some dogs appeared to have just given birth, but rescuers were unable to locate their puppies on the property.
“I’ve had this job for 18 years and this is probably one of the worst conditions I’ve ever seen,” said Hendersonville Police Department Lieutenant Jimmy Garrett.
Neighbors told News 2 they noticed the exterior of the house was unkempt, but they had no reason to believe there was any alleged abuse or neglect inside as it was always quiet.
“Even if you don’t have any animals, you’d be shocked at the state of the place, and wonder why someone just completely neglects the whole thing and their animals,” said Dana Ziegler, a neighbor.
The dogs have been taken to the ARC center in Gallatin where they will be cared for and eventually adopted.
However, neighbors are concerned about the rats and other potential health hazards still in the house.
“If these rats leave the ship, where will they go?” said Ziegler. “They’re roof rats, they can get into the attic, and if they’re poisoned, they carry that poison with them, and dogs and cats are very vulnerable to that, so we’re very concerned and we want something done. .”
Ziegler told News 2 she has contacted the city and is waiting to hear back.
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Hendrix was taken to Sumner County jail on Thursday and has been bonded ever since, officials said.
The Hendersonville Police Department said that before you get a dog, make sure you can take care of it. If you’re not able, there are many resources that can help, including your local police department or the Humane Society.
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