Owner of Seized Dogs Faces Charges
By: Caitlin McArdle
Updated: February 14, 2011
Joplin- A former Newton County man faces charges of animal abuse.
59-year-old Gary W. Dotson is being charged with misdemeanor animal abuse.
Dotson recently moved to Republic, Missouri, leaving over a dozen dogs to be taken care of by his neighbors.
Authorities seized the animals on Monday from 8496 Eloise Ln, just south of Joplin, saying they were malnourished and neglected.
Seventeen dogs were taken from the property; four dead dogs were also found.
Authorities say that Dotson has signed away his rights to the animals, which are now being taken care of at the Joplin Humane Society.
If convicted, Dotson faces up to a year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
