According to a Walker County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On Saturday, December 23rd, 2023, at 9:12 AM, Deputy Scarbrough responded to 1306 W Sherry Drive in reference to a welfare check on a dog. According to the report, “Deputy Scarbrough arrived on scene and spoke with Animal Control Officer Bishop, who stated that he received an anonymous call stating a dog was trapped under a chain-linked kennel in the back yard. ACO Bishop stated he utilized a drone to fly over the backyard of the residence, where he could see what appeared to be a dog trapped under the kennel.” They both proceeded into the backyard to check the dog’s welfare after getting no one to the door. Deputy Scarbrough reported, “As we approached, the dog came out from under the kennel and appeared ok. ACO Bishop stated he has had several complaints about the mistreatment of the dogs and observed that they appeared underweight.” At the same time, the deputy was attempting to make contact again with the owner, the animal control officer located a dog inside a small crate located in the open carport. The animal control officer stated that the dog was extremely emaciated and lying in feces, urine, and old dog food. Deputy Scarbrough reported, “The dog appeared to have a severe infection on its head, causing its right eye to sink in. ACO Bishop stated the dog needed emergency medical treatment immediately due to the injuries and being extremely malnourished. Due to ACO Bishop’s investigation, showing the dog was not properly cared for after the infection and its extreme emaciation, it appears the dog was neglected and left in the small crate outside, where it was exposed to extremely low temperatures at night with no access to food or water. ” According to the report, the animal control officer was able to get the dog owners, Amber Michelle Coonrod, 32, and David Walker Jr., 38, both of Rossville, back on the scene. Due to the very obvious signs of neglect and mistreatment, both Amber and David were placed under arrest for felony aggravated animal cruelty. Amber and David were booked into the Walker County Jail. Animal Control took four other dogs from the property, which were also reported as being malnourished, along with insufficient water, food, and shelter.
Rossville pair arrested on felony animal cruelty charges after welfare check call in Walker County
