May 21, 2012
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A man who allegedly had nearly two dozens animals in his east Knox Co. home when the Sheriff's Office raided his home in late January pleaded guilty to Animal Cruelty, the Knox Co. Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday.
Acting on a tip, members of the Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at Jimmy Wayne Hopper's home on Silver Creek Road. In the garage, authorities reportedly found 23 animals - 18 Chiahuahuas, four Shih tzus, and a cat - living in what the department described as "deplorable conditions."
The animals were removed from the home and taken to Young-Williams Animal Center. The Sheriff's Office noted that several dogs, cats, and puppies were inside the home and in decent health, so they were allowed to stay with the 57 year-old.
Per his plea deal of 11 months and 29 days, Hopper gave up the 23 animals and paid $2,000 in restitution to Young-Williams. Hopper also agreed not to breed any animals or bring any new ones onto his property. Finally, he will have to give the county a list of all of the animals at his home each month and provide proper veterinary records.
