DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — A Midland City woman accused of abandoning animals inside a Dothan pet grooming business has been arrested.
Brandi Leann Tyrrell, 41, was apprehended by Dothan police late Monday, Aug. 24.
Tyrrell faces two felony counts of first-degree cruelty to a cat and six counts of cruelty to animals.
The charges stem from an investigation that began Aug. 20, when the Dothan Animal Services Division received a complaint about a strong odor coming from an animal grooming business in the 3700 block of Ross Clark Circle.
According to the Dothan Police Department, Animal Services officers could smell the odor as they approached the business and believed dead animals could be inside. Surrounding businesses had also complained about the smell.
Once inside, officers found several cats dead and other animals alive in enclosures.
Police said it appeared the animals had been left unattended for about a month.
Investigators were called to the scene and determined the business had not had active utilities since June.
Several surrounding businesses told investigators Tyrrell, identified by authorities as the owner, had not been seen for at least three weeks before officers entered the business Aug. 20.
The investigation resulted in Tyrrell being charged with two felony counts of first-degree cruelty to a cat and six additional counts of cruelty to animals.
Tyrrell’s arrest comes after Dothan police previously asked the public for help locating her.