MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - After getting a tip that a man in the Binghampton area was abusing his dogs, Memphis Police also found the suspect's home was illegally wired for electricity.
Officers were called to the 2800-block of Faxon Ave just before 7:00am on January 9, 2012. When they arrived on the scene, there was an underweight female pit bull with her leash tangled and wrapped around a pole on the front porch with no food or water within reach.
As the homeowner, 37-year-old Edwin Ballard, was talking with police, they noticed another underweight adult pit bull and nine pit bull puppies in a cage without food or water. Officers also noted that there was urine and feces on the floors throughout the home, and no food or water for the dogs.
Police also noticed the residence's MLGW meter had been tampered with to supply illegal power to the home. The utility company confirmed that nearly $400 worth of utilities were stolen.
Edwin Ballard was arrested and charged on multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty and theft of services under $500. He has since been released from the Shelby County Jail on bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 24th.
