GRAPHIC: Huskies rescued, owner arrested in Jones Co. following animal welfare complaint

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A Soso woman’s bond was set at $5,000 Wednesday at her initial appearance after being charged with one count of aggravated animal cruelty and two counts of simple animal cruelty.

On February 24, Jones County Sheriff’s Department deputies were called to a property on Dykes Road where they found eight Siberian huskies, seven were severely malnourished and one was deceased. All of the dogs were found to be without the necessities required to survive.

According to JCSC, the owner of the huskies, identified as 55-year-old Virginia Kanan, turned herself in to JCSD authorities on Tuesday and was booked into the Jones County Adult Detention Center.

Deputy Regina Newton, who responded to the call, said one of the huskies had to be euthanized due to severe neglect.

“Well, first of all, animals, they don’t have a voice,” said Newton. “We have to be their voice.”

JCSD Administrator Lance Chancellor said since the sheriff’s department hired Newton, she has responded to more than 200 animal-related calls.

“We’ve always responded to animal calls; Deputies on patrol, they catch those calls day in and day out,” said Chancellor. “But, having someone that’s able to focus and turn their attention to those animal calls, in particular, abuse allegation calls, that really helps us up the game and provide the voice, as Regina said, to those animals that don’t have a voice otherwise.”

Animal advocates also attended the court hearing.

Kanan has since been released from jail, according to the Jones County Jail website.

Warning - Some images of the malnourished huskies may be disturbing. (Photos provided by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.)

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