Long Beach Hearts for Hounds operator charged with 128 counts of animal cruelty


What they said they couldn't foresee was that Sheehan and a companion would be arrested and charged with 128 counts of aggravated animal cruelty after they were stopped in Tennessee.


Authorities said the animals were being transported in deplorable conditions.

According to a statement from the Tennessee DA's office, law enforcement personnel "found 25 animals inside the minivan unattended and with no food or water."

"Officers found over (100) dogs and one cat locked inside the cargo compartment of the U-Haul truck," the statement says. "There were a total of 128 animals located in the two vehicles. Some animals were in cages, but many were loose inside the cargo compartment.


Sheehan and King-McCracken were being held on a $100,000 bond Tuesday, according to the DA's office. A Jan. 24 court date has been set.

The women couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday.


Animal Care Services "had concerns about the number of animals (at Hearts for Hounds) and we had worked with her," Keisler said. He said his agency had received a complaint about Sheehan on Sunday, the day she left Long Beach.



"(The officer) did not do a final inspection," Keisler said.


"(That) would have raised flags," Keisler said. "I want to make sure we ask those questions. We want to make sure we do this investigation properly."

Keisler said a team from Animal Care Services went to Long Beach Kennel Room and Groom on Tuesday night to determine whether any of Sheehan's dogs had been left behind and determine their condition.


A kennel volunteer who didn't identify herself said earlier in the day that Sheehan had taken all of her dogs and those that remained belong to other customers who kennel their dogs at the site.


forhounds.com, had been seeking donations to help in relocating the animal shelter to Roanoke.

Sheehan became well-known in Long Beach after founding the nonprofit Hearts for Hounds in 1997, according to the group's website.

Sheehan was a common sight at the Long Beach Marina farmer's market and other events, to which she would take dogs to promote adoption of the animals.


"Everyone is shocked to no end," said Dee Imp, who has volunteered with Hearts For Hounds and adopted several dogs from the organization.

"We all believe there has to be more to the story," said Imp, who was rallying supporters to aid Sheehan and help find legal representation for the women. "We can't fathom that either would do a thing to put an animal in harm's way."


The animals are being divided and sent to the Collierville and Fayette County animal shelters for treatment, the Shelby County DA's Office said.

Numerous charges are expected including transporting animals under inhumane conditions.
