Couple accused of starving chained dog

BONO, Ark. (KAIT) - Police cited two Bono residents with animal cruelty after finding a starving dog chained up in their backyard.

According to the initial incident report, Officer Jason Fraser responded to the 100-block of Meadow Drive on Wednesday, June 15, regarding a “very malnourished” dog.

When Fraser and a representative of the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society arrived at the home they discovered the “sad, pitiful, very underweight dog” on a chain.

The humane society said Friday the animal had no food, water, or adequate shelter.

“He had all but given up hope and, frankly, we aren’t sure how much longer he would have made it in that condition and in this heat,” the humane society stated in a social media post.

Officer Fraser spoke with 36-year-old Lapontasa Layton who said she had to get the owner first. She then changed her story to say the dog was 40-year-old Reshard D. Cunningham’s cousin’s dog, the report stated.

“I asked if the dog has been there a while and she said yes,” Fraser stated. “I asked for over 30 days, and they all said yes.”

At that time, Fraser told Layton and Cunningham he was charging them with cruelty to animals.

The dog was taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment. Fraser reported the dog was so “severely dehydrated to the point no IV could be established.”

The officer noted in his report the dog, believed to be 2 to 3 years old, weighed approximately 36 pounds. According to the humane society, the dog, named Armin, is also heartworm positive.

“He now has proper shelter, medical care, plenty of good food and water and toys to play with and, most of all, love,” NEA Humane Society stated. “Less than 48 hours he has started feeling better.”

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