Opelika, Alabama – An Alabama man has been arrested after deputies discovered 16 severely malnourished dogs living without adequate food or water on a rural property in Lee County. Authorities say the conditions were so poor that all of the animals required immediate veterinary evaluation.
Incident Overview
According to investigators, Mose Washington Jr., 65, of Opelika, was taken into custody following an animal cruelty investigation that unfolded in late January. Officials allege that the dogs were kept in unsafe conditions and had not received proper care for an extended period.
The case is being handled by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which announced the arrest on Tuesday.
Timeline of Events
Deputies were first alerted to the situation on January 24, when they received a report of possible animal cruelty at a property located in the 1700 block of Lee Road 400 in the Beauregard community.
After responding to the location, sheriff’s officials discovered 16 dogs on the property. Authorities said the animals were visibly underweight and lacked consistent access to food and clean drinking water.
Based on the initial findings, deputies contacted Lee County Animal Control, which removed the dogs from the property for further evaluation.
Details From Law Enforcement
In a statement released by the sheriff’s office, officials said the dogs appeared to be “of a pit bull variety” and showed clear signs of neglect.
A veterinarian in Opelika later examined the animals and confirmed that all 16 dogs were in poor health.
“It appeared the dogs had not been cared for on a regular basis,” the veterinarian told deputies, according to the sheriff’s office.
Key Facts in the Case
- Suspect: Mose Washington Jr., 65
- Location: Opelika, Alabama
- Discovery date: January 24
- Dogs found: 16
- Condition: Malnourished, no food or water
- Charges: 16 felony counts of aggravated animal abuse
- Bond amount: $80,000 total
Charges and Arrest Details
Following the investigation, Washington was formally charged with 16 felony counts of aggravated animal abuse, with each count corresponding to one dog found on the property.
He was booked into the Lee County Jail, where authorities set his bond at $80,000. As of the sheriff’s announcement, no additional charges had been disclosed, and it was not immediately clear whether Washington had obtained legal representation.
Condition of the Dogs
After being removed from the property, the dogs were transported to a local veterinary clinic in Opelika for medical evaluation. Officials said the animals are now under the care of Lee County Animal Control, where they will continue receiving treatment and nutritional support.
Animal welfare authorities did not release details about the dogs’ long-term prognosis or whether they may eventually be placed for adoption.
Broader Context on Animal Abuse
Aggravated animal abuse is treated as a serious felony offense in Alabama, particularly when neglect results in severe suffering or endangers an animal’s life. Law enforcement officials say cases involving multiple animals often indicate prolonged neglect rather than a single incident.
Animal welfare experts stress that malnutrition and lack of water can lead to organ failure, weakened immune systems, and long-term health complications in dogs, even after rescue.
Public Safety and Reporting
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information related to this case or other suspected instances of animal cruelty to come forward.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact:
- Lee County Sheriff’s Office: 334-749-5651
- Central Alabama Crime Stoppers: 334-215-STOP (7867)
Tips can be provided anonymously.
Conclusion
The discovery of 16 malnourished dogs in Lee County has sparked renewed attention on the importance of reporting suspected animal neglect. Investigators say timely community reports played a key role in removing the animals from harmful conditions and initiating criminal charges.
If you have witnessed animal neglect in your area or have concerns about animal welfare, speaking up can make a critical difference. Share your experiences in the comments below.
