TN Couple Faces Cruelty Charges
A Bradley County couple face animal cruelty charges after police say 39 animals didn’t have adequate food or water in the heat.
James and Patricia Freeman were cited and released on their own recognizance Tuesday.
James Freeman, who is 48, says the officer probably thought he was doing the right thing, but says the incident was a misunderstanding and that there was food for the animals when the officer was there. Patricia Freeman is 53.
Bradley County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Bob Gault says 20 dogs, two horses, 16 birds and a cat were found in distress. It took deputies about 90 minutes to water the animals, according to the Chattanooga Times Free Press.
Court officials say the Freemans can request an attorney be appointed at a hearing next week.
