LAUDERDALE COUNTY-As of today, May 12, 2026, three people have been arrested in connection with the seizure of 191 dogs from a property on County Road 112 in Lauderdale County. John David Richardson, Karolyn Richardson, and Hunter Hancock were each charged with four counts of cruelty to animals following a criminal investigation.
Each suspect faces four counts of animal cruelty. Warrants were issued after the Lauderdale County District Attorney determined that four specific dogs met the criteria for these charges following veterinary reviews. All three individuals were booked into the Lauderdale County Jail and have since been released on $2,000 bond each.
The 191 dogs were originally removed from the Central Community property over a two-day span starting March 30, 2026, due to “deplorable” living conditions. Authorities reported finding dogs in stacked cages in a basement, some without access to food or water.
The dogs, primarily large-breed “doodles,” are being cared for at the Florence-Lauderdale Animal Shelter and the Colbert County Animal Shelter. The owners officially signed over possession of the animals to animal services during the investigation, which allows for future adoption once they are medically cleared.
The shelters have reported a significant financial strain, with the first nine days of care for the 191 dogs costing approximately $42,975. They are currently seeking monetary donations, dog food, and volunteer groomers.
