Corinth Fires Employee Facing 27 Counts of Animal Cruelty

Written with artificial intelligence assistance.

The City of Corinth has terminated a city employee following his arrest on multiple animal cruelty charges, according to the Corinth Police Department. Jonathan Hurst, who was employed in the city’s sewage department, was officially dismissed from his position on Tuesday evening.

Jonathan HurstPhoto byCorinth Police Department

The action comes after Hurst's arrest on July 28, when authorities discovered numerous malnourished dogs at his residence on Pleasant Grove Road. Initially suspended by the city following his arrest, Hurst now faces 27 counts of animal cruelty.

Sherry Thrasher, a board member of the Corinth-Alcorn Animal Shelter, described the conditions at Hurst’s home as a "hell house," but reassured the public that the rescued animals are receiving proper care.

Both Corinth Police Chief Landon Tucker and Mayor Ralph Dance have expressed their commitment to ensuring that Hurst is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.