NORTHPORT, Ala. (WBRC) – A blatant case of animal cruelty is underway in West Alabama after six dogs were found dead outside a Northport home. The search is on for the suspect or suspects.

August 7, 1706 Martin Luther King Boulevard in Northport. 6 dead dogs, all chained to the house, found in the scorching Alabama summer heat.

“The investigation is ongoing,” said Keith Carpenter, Northport’s deputy police chief.

Northport Deputy Police Chief Keith Carpenter says the investigation has shown how the dogs were found.

“As far as I know, we received a report that an employee of the real estate company that rents this house went to mow the lawn and found six dead dogs,” Carpenter said.

However, it is unclear how long the dogs were chained and when they died. Police say the resident was kicked out of the apartment for not paying rent. Electricity and water were turned off.

“As far as we know, the people left the house and left no one behind to care for the animals, feed them, give them water or do anything else. So we are currently investigating aggravated animal cruelty,” Carpenter said.

The police investigation will also involve the neighbors: Did they see anything? Why didn’t anyone call long before August 7?

“I don’t know if the neighbors can easily see where the animals are and if they are being cared for. I think it’s tragic that something like this happens, where a person has six dogs in their care and leaves them chained up or where the animals can’t escape,” said Deputy Police Chief Carpenter.

The six counts of aggravated animal cruelty are felonies. Investigators say they cannot recall a case like this in recent memory.

According to Northport Police, no one is currently in custody.

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