BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMOREAUTAUGA NEWS
Charges incude Weapons-AFI or POAFA Altering Firearm Identification or Possession of Altered Firearm
Cruelty to Animals
Conservation-Dog Fighting
Conservation-Cruelty to Animals
Bond:
$483,000
Clifford Eugene Sheppard, 44, is being held in the Autauga County Metro Jail currently on no bond in connection with multiple counts of animal cruelty and dog fighting, per Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell.
Deputies responded to the residence on Vernon Sheppard Road this morning after citizens complained about suspicious activity. They found over 30 dogs, mostly pit bulls, on property, some with heavy chains, no access to food or water and in bad health.
Officials say it appears the area was used for dogfighting, and perhaps breeding dogs.
Investigators also located multiple deceased dogs, one with a heavy chain still around its neck.
An exact number of charges is pending, and investigators are still finishing up paperwork. Sheriff Harrell said Sheppard will face multiple felony counts of animal cruelty among other expected charges.
The surviving dogs have since been transported from the property and are being housed by an out of county agency.
