Man arraigned on animal neglect charges

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - A Suffolk man was arraigned on animal neglect charges Friday. Police say 48-year-old Amos Nelson moved away and left two dogs behind.

After appearing in court, Nelson shared his side of the story with WAVY.com (see his exclusive interview to the left of this story). Nelson said he and his sister were stopping by the house to feed the dogs and doesn't understand why he's facing two counts of providing inadequate care when only one of the dogs was his.

Officers arrested Nelson Tuesday after police were received an anonymous tip that he may have moved out of his home on Indian Trail Road and left a Pit Bull and a Rottweiler behind.

Suffolk spokesperson Debbie George told WAVY.com, "He has been charged with one count of animal neglect and two counts of providing inadequate care."

The investigation dates back to January 26.

"They learned from their investigation the electricity In the home had been turned off in late November. [Nelson] had left the residence approximately a month before they ever responded," George said. "The animals appeared to be thin and there was urine and feces all over the house... There was water in the residence and there was food actually in the residence, but it was in a Rubbermaid container so the animals did not have access to it."

Animal control workers rescued both dogs and discovered the pit bull actually belonged to someone else. He is now with his owners again.

When the Rottweiler Shady was healthy, she made her television debut on WAVY News 10 Midday as part of our "Pet of the Week" segment; she was adopted that same day.

Nelson is scheduled to appear in court again on May 13.