S

Two county residents have been charged with aggravated animal cruelty after police found the family’s pit bull mix unresponsive without food or water.

According to an incident report dated Monday, July 28, Coffee County Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for a welfare check on a dog left out in the heat on C Anderson Road.

Coffee County Sheriff’s Department said the complainant had observed the animal had quit barking and was panting hard, and that around 2 p.m. on July 28, the animal was laying on its side and not doing well.

The responding officer observed the dog unresponsive to his calls. The deputy entered the unlocked gate where he reports that he found the animal deceased.

According to police, the dog did not have food, water or available shade. The officer noted at the time the heat index was 95 degrees. Coffee County Animal Control was called, and the responding officer photographed the remains before seizing the body.

Coffee County Sheriff’s Department alleges that the owners of the dog, Bill and Felicia Teal left for court and were unsure when they would return home. The two are accused by authorities of intentional abuse and torture, resulting in the charge of aggravated cruelty to animals. Bill Teal, 52, is being held on a $500,000 bond.