A Genesee County man, identified as 33-year-old Jeremy Justin Neph, is currently facing felony animal abuse charges after he allegedly abandoned two dogs in his previous home. According to a report from ABC12, deputies discovered the two dogs in a state of neglect, locked inside cages and surrounded by their own waste on January 19.
WNEM reports that Neph informed authorities his work at FedEx required him to put in long hours, making it difficult to properly care for the animals. Charged with one count of killing and torturing an animal, a crime that could lead to a maximum of four years in incarceration, Neph was released on a $10,000 cash surety bond and is due to return to court on February 12 for a preliminary examination.
Inside the garage where they were found, the dogs were in critical condition, lacking access to food and water. "Had no strength, had no ability to survive," said Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson regarding the state of the animals during a press conference detailed by FOX 2 Detroit. The weaker of the two dogs, unable to even lift its head and suffering from open sores, was later euthanized while the second dog, now named Baxter, has thrived under the care of the Genesee County Animal Control and is awaiting adoption.
An animal control worker, who was quoted in the FOX 2 Detroit coverage, described Baxter as "one of the most loving dogs." All adoptable dogs, including Baxter, can be seen at the Genesee County Animal Control website.
