FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
On July 31, 2026, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit was conducting an aerial search for stolen property when Sheriff Eric Blankenship observed multiple dog kennels that appeared to be in extremely deplorable condition. Based on those observations, an investigation was immediately initiated, and investigators obtained a search warrant for the property.
Members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, along with Investigators assigned to the Henry County Task Force, executed the search warrant in the 3000 block of County Road 37.
During the search, investigators discovered 28 deceased dogs in kennels at various stages of decomposition. They also located numerous live dogs being housed in severely unsanitary, neglected, and unhealthy conditions. The surviving animals were found living in filth and were suffering from conditions consistent with prolonged neglect.
As a result of the investigation, Amos Wylie Herndon Jr., 64, of Abbeville, Alabama, was arrested on August 3, 2026, and charged with 28 counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and 10 counts of Cruelty to Animals. He was transported to the Henry County Jail, where he was booked on bonds totaling $480,000.00. This case is ongoing and more charges may be forthcoming.
Sheriff Eric Blankenship issued the following statement:
“I want to thank every deputy, investigator, and member of our team who worked tirelessly on this heartbreaking case. We often hear criticism that the Aviation Unit is a waste of taxpayers’ money, despite the fact that the program receives zero funding from the Henry County Commission. This investigation demonstrates exactly how valuable the Aviation Unit is to our community. Because of the observations made from the air, we were able to uncover these horrific conditions and rescue the surviving dogs before more lives were lost.
In all my years in law enforcement, I have never witnessed dogs being kept in such severely unsanitary, parasite-infested, and inhumane conditions. This level of neglect is beyond comprehension. Animal cruelty will not be tolerated in Henry County, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those responsible for these crimes.”
