Lenoir County Man Charged with Animal Cruelty After Dogs Found in Poor Conditions

A Lenoir County man is facing 40 misdemeanor charges following an animal cruelty investigation that began with a welfare check earlier this month. James Edward Phillips Jr., 55, of Pink Hill, North Carolina, was initially charged with four counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and four counts of misdemeanor instigating cruelty to animals on March 6, according to officials.

Lenoir County Animal Control conducted the initial welfare check and discovered twenty hound-type dogs in poor physical condition and living in unsanitary conditions at a property on Murphy Road. A subsequent search warrant was executed, resulting in the seizure of all twenty dogs.

On Monday, March 23, Phillips was additionally charged with sixteen counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty and sixteen counts of misdemeanor instigating cruelty to animals, bringing the total number of charges to 40. The charges stem from the conditions in which the dogs were found, described as severely emaciated and unsanitary, according to a press release from Neuse News.

Lenoir County Animal Control is asking anyone with information related to the case to contact [email protected] or call 252-526-4200 Ext. 4309. The fate of the seized dogs remains unconfirmed.