A Minden man was arrested Monday after police responded to a report of stolen dogs and discovered multiple animals in poor condition at a residence on Quarles Street.
According to a report from the Minden Police Department, an officer was dispatched July 21 in reference to a complaint of animal theft. The complainant stated that her dogs had been taken from her yard a few days earlier and that she knew where they were being kept.
The complainant’s daughter directed the officer to a residence in the 500 block of Quarles Street. Upon arrival, the officer observed 10 dogs chained in the yard, all appearing to be in poor health and underweight. Several dogs reportedly lacked food, water or shelter, and a deceased puppy was found near a burn pile in the backyard.
Animal control officers were called to the scene and removed the unclaimed animals. One dog was in such poor health that it was transported to a veterinary clinic to be euthanized.
The complainant and her daughter were able to identify and retrieve their stolen dogs.
John J. Solomon, 43, was arrested and booked on charges including felony theft, misdemeanor theft, felony cruelty to animals, and three counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.