Lincoln County man charged with animal abuse

CHARLOTTE — A Lincoln County man has been charged with abusing 10 dogs.

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office says 32-year-old Terrance Lee Vanepps Jr. is charged with 10 counts of cruelty to animals and a dozen counts of failing to have animals vaccinated for rabies.

The Charlotte Observer reported Friday an officer serving an eviction notice found nine malnourished dogs and a dead dog behind the apartment.

The sheriff’s office said four dogs in the apartment were in good condition with food and water. The outside dogs did not have food or good water. There were also snakes, lizards and ferrets in the apartment.

A veterinarian was evaluating the dogs. The other animals were returned to the pet shop where they were purchased.

Vanepps was being held under a $5,000 bond. It was unclear if he had a lawyer.

Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotte.com

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