Two people have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of animal cruelty after numerous dead and decomposing dogs were found at two locations in Newton County last week.
The Newton County Sheriff’s Department assisted by Mississippi Animal Rescue League and in turn they contacted Animal Rescue Corps out of Nashville, Tenn., conducted the investigation at shelter on Pine Bluff Road and on Peavy Road, which resulted in 71 dogs being rescued. However, numerous dog remains were found, as many dogs were kept chained to trees outdoors and kept in small cages and camping tents while others were running loose. Investigators said they did not have access to food and water.
William Patten, 40, of Tank Street in Philadelphia and Natalie Fancher Patten, 32, of Pine Bluff Road in Newton were both arrested on July 11 and charged with six counts of felony animal cruelty and more charges are likely, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Both were being held in the Newton County Jail on $60,000 bond.
Investigators and animal rescue workers worked the two locations for multiple days.
Here is the Sheriff’s Department statement on the matter:
“On July 10, 2023 Newton County Deputies responded to a call on Pine Bluff Road in reference to a call regarding animal neglect. Deputies arrived on scene and found multiple dogs abandoned in cages, tied to trees and running loose. Deputies also found numerous amounts of deceased dogs on the property. Deputies were able to determine the dogs on the property had not been fed or watered in some time. After further investigation deputes were able to determine there was a second property on Peavy Road also containing a large number of dogs. ( 71 dogs total) Realizing the magnitude of the situation we contacted Mississippi Animal Rescue League and in turn they contacted Animal Rescue Corps out of Nashville TN. Animal Rescue Corps assembled a team along with the assistance of Bissell Pet Foundation, along with a team from Hattiesburg and New Orleans. After the teams got on location with a local veterinarian they were able to secure and treat all the dogs in both locations and were transported to Nashville for further care. William Patten and Natalie Fancher Patten were arrested and charged with 6 counts of felony animal cruelty ( more charges will be filed). I would like to thank Cathy Bissell with Bissell Pet Foundation and every one involved in this case. Special Thank You to Jackie Therrien for taking care of the dogs until help arrived and Supervisor Kenny Harris for his help in this case.”
Animal Rescue Corps also released the following statement:
“Animal Rescue Corps (ARC), a national 501(c)(3) animal protection organization in partnership with BISSELL Pet Foundation (BPF), a nonprofit pet foundation, responded today to an urgent call from Newton County officials for assistance with 71 dogs of various breeds found living in deplorable conditions on two properties in Newton, Miss., approximately one hour east of Jackson. Also supporting the rescue on site were Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM), Southern Pines Animal Shelter (SPAS), Rescue Riders Network, and local animal rescuers. All of the animals were seized by the Newton County Sheriff’s Department, and Natalie Fancher Patten a self-described “rescuer,” and her husband William Patten were arrested and taken into custody on charges of animal cruelty, including felony animal cruelty.
“The Newton County Sheriff’s Department made this discovery while responding to a complaint that representatives from a purported animal rescue organization and 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Second Paw Dog Rescue, had not been on the property to care for the animal residents there in days. The Sheriff’s Department made contact with ARC requesting urgent help upon discovering the severity of the conditions and the large number of animals. ARC quickly reached out to the other organizations to create a coalition and was on-scene with the necessary equipment, supplies, transport vehicles, volunteers, and a state-licensed veterinarian soon after receiving the call.
“’This is a very grim situation here. Scattered bones litter the property,’ said Animal Rescue Corps’ Executive Director, Tim Woodward. ‘These animals have endured tremendous suffering and it ends today.’
“Responders found dozens of dogs chained outdoors to trees, trapped in outdoor cages and camping tents, and several more running loose around the nine-acre, trash-strewn property. The dogs had been without access to food, clean water, or necessary veterinary care. On a separate property, over 40 dogs were found running loose and inside a trailer. Over a dozen dead and decomposing carcasses were found in cages and scattered around the 9-acre property. Two emaciated dogs had to be immediately euthanized due to untreated medical conditions that were too advanced to be treated.
“’Not all victims of abuse are people and we take animal cruelty very seriously in our community,’ said, Sheriff Joedy Pennington. ‘We will fully enforce the laws of this state and bring those responsible to justice.’
“Inside a trailer, among piles of garbage on urine-soaked and feces-covered floors, several dogs including litters of small puppies only a few weeks old were found suffering in unimaginable conditions. The dogs, visibly covered in ticks and fleas, emaciated, dehydrated, and exhibited various illnesses and untreated injuries. Many of the chained dogs appear to have serious dental damage, ground and missing teeth, presumably from chewing at their chains to free themselves.
“Working under the Newton County Sheriff’s Department, ARC safely removed the dogs and is transporting them to ARC’s Rescue Center in Gallatin, Tenn., about 30 minutes outside Nashville. ARC will provide medical, physical, and social care until the dogs can be placed with partnering shelters and rescue groups. Each animal will receive full medical exams, vaccinations, and any necessary treatments by a team of volunteer veterinarians starting tomorrow.
“Animal Rescue Corps managed the safe extraction of every animal, assessment, documentation, care, and collection of evidence for any cruelty proceedings in this rescue, dubbed Operation Skin and Bones. Bissell Pet Foundation provided critical financial support for this emergency operation, coordinated on-scene volunteer support from the BISSELL Pet Foundation Shelter Partner Network, and has committed to help manage placement alongside ARC with trusted shelter and rescue partners.”
