On January 20th, acting on a tip, Officers with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit and Patrol Division executed a search warrant at 2809 Silver Creek Road in East Knox County.

Inside the garage, Officers discovered more than 20 dogs and cats being held in deplorable conditions. Rugs had been stuffed at the bottoms of the doors leading to the garage, preventing any fresh air from entering the garage. The stench of ammonia caused by large amounts of urine could be smelled from the driveway.

Conditions were so bad that a total of 23 animals, including 18 Chihuahuas, four Shih Tzus and one cat, were removed from the residence and taken to Young-Williams Animal Center.

Several dogs, cats, and puppies inside the home were being maintained in acceptable conditions and were allowed to remain with the owner.

The owner, 57-year-old Jimmy Wayne Hopper, was charged with and pled guilty to Cruelty to Animals. Per his plea agreement of 11 months and 29 days, Hopper surrendered all 23 animals and agreed to pay $2,000 in restitution to Young-Williams Animal Center. He is not allowed to breed any animals or bring any new animals onto his property during this time.

He had to provide a list of animals currently residing in the home and must maintain proper veterinarian records on them. He is subject to random checks by the Animal Control Unit.