(Smith County Insider Press) Carthage, Tenn. – On Friday, September 4th, Sgt. Junior Fields was contacted by the Smith County Humane Society to investigate an allegedly neglected dog. After arriving at 25 Gibbs Circle, Sgt. Fields spoke with Ms. Susan Blanchard (President of the Smith County Humane Society) and Mrs. Kathy Soard who briefed him on the situation. Alex Grisham was the owner of the dog which was reportedly, “very bony and appeared to be unable to get up.” Grisham stated that he had taken the dog in several months ago and had attempted to nurse it back to health, but that in the last few months the dog had begun to deteriorate. He admitted that he was aware that the dog was in need of medical attention and most likely needed to be euthanized, but that he was unable to afford to have the dog put down and was unable to do it himself.
There was a large open wound located on the groin area of the dog which Grisham believed to be cancer. Sgt. Fields photographed the dog and contacted Dr. Dixon with the Smith County Animal Clinic. Dr. Dixon stated that in her professional opinion she believed that the dog had been neglected. Grisham was placed under arrest and transported to the Smith County Jail for processing.
Grisham released the dog to the Smith County Human Society at which time Dr. Dixon sent a technician to the scene to sedate the dog and transport it. Grisham did give permission to euthanize the dog. It did in fact have a tumor on its groin area. Dr. Dixon agreed to provide a report including her professional observation and opinion of the state of said dog.
Grisham was charged with cruelty to animals and his bond was set at $5,000.
Alex James Grisham II
