Hearing for Jackson animal cruelty case waived to Grand Jury

JACKSON, Tenn.–A Jackson man accused of throwing away several one-day old puppies in a dumpster appears before a judge Thursday morning.

Ined Holmes was scheduled for a preliminary hearing involving the multiple counts of aggravated animal abuse.

Holmes’ attorney, Rusty Larson waived his clients right to the hearing in favor of moving the case to the grand jury to be heard later this summer.

“We have an agreement with the district attorney’s office that they will give us all of discovery early rather than waiting until we have the indictments,” Larson said.

In April, Holmes was charged with eight counts of animal cruelty.

Police said surveillance video at a south Jackson gas station showed Holmes allegedly dumping eight newborn puppies in a dumpster.

Dozens of animal advocates appeared at the hearing Thursday. “Animal abuse is something that affects not only the animals but the citizens of this town and every town that it happens in,” Jennifer McBride with West Tennessee Animal Advocates said.

McBride said she is appreciative to law enforcement and the district attorney’s office for taking the case seriously.

The puppies were taken in by Companion Pet Rescue and Transport. On Wednesday, the group posted photos of the pups and their mom saying they are all doing well.

It is unclear if Holmes will be indicted on the animal cruelty charges.

Larson said it is possible Holmes could make a plea deal prior to the Grand Jury hearing the case.

The Grand Jury is scheduled to hear the case in early August.