40 feral dogs found in elderly woman’s home in NC, euthanized; man charged with animal cruelty, elderly abuse, deputies say

DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. (WGHP) — A man faces over a dozen animal cruelty charges after feral dogs were found in a woman’s home in Denton, according to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office.

In June, deputies with the DCSO began an animal cruelty investigation and a domestic elderly abuse and neglect case in the Denton area.

During the investigation, it was determined through observations, interviews and medical evaluations that an elderly woman was living in a home with over 40 wolf-hybrid dogs and sustained injuries that led to a welfare check at her home.

Deputies found the inside and the outside conditions of the home to be uninhabitable for people and dogs.

The dogs inside were not social and were later determined to be feral.

After consultations with medical professionals and veterinary workers, police say the animals had to be humanely euthanized to protect public safety as well as the safety of surrounding pets in the area due to the diseases the dogs were exposed to and carrying.

An order from a Superior Court judge was signed directing the animals to be euthanized.

On Monday, deputies arrested Melvin “Sonny” Berry on:

• one count of felony domestic elderly abuse/neglect with serious injuries
• one misdemeanour local ordinance charge
• 20 misdemeanour animal cruelty charges

Anyone with any further information related to this case is asked to contact Deputy C. Soles at the DCSO Animal Control Division at (336) 242-2105.

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