Bobbie Taylor, the former director of the Lawrence County Animal Shelter in Moulton, Alabama, was sentenced this week after being convicted of six counts of animal cruelty earlier this year.

In June 2015, the ASPCA had assisted the Moulton Police Department in seizing more than 300 animals from the Lawrence County Animal Shelter after a shelter volunteer reported animal abuse and mistreatment at the facility. The ASPCA was contacted by the Moulton Police Department for assistance with this case, following the reported abuse.

At the scene, the dogs and cats were found living in filthy, deplorable conditions—some of the animals were in small wire crates, while others were crowded into enclosures, competing for space and food. Many animals appeared to be emaciated, and suffering from medical issues like parvovirus, distemper and untreated wounds.

After removing the animals from the property, the ASPCA provided medical attention and daily care for the animals, and reunited a number of lost pets with their original owners. We also found homes for more than 200 animals during a two-day adoption event. 

The ASPCA transported the remaining animals to various animal welfare agencies across the country to be made available for adoption. Some of the dogs who required behavioral rehabilitation for severe fear and under-socialization were transported to our Behavioral Rehabilitation Center, where animal behavior experts provided treatment to help them get ready for new, loving homes.

Since the seizure, the ASPCA has worked with authorities to close the case and win justice for the animal victims.

On May 22, 2018, Bobbie Taylor was sentenced to a total of nine months in county jail, which is suspended subject to 24 months of probation, with a minimum of the first three months of the probation being supervised. Some of the conditions of the probation require that Bobbie Taylor shall: not violate any Federal, State, or local law; permit the Probation Officer to visit her home or elsewhere; pay fines, court costs, restitution, assessments, and other court-ordered monies; report to and cooperate fully with a mental health provider for assessment and treatment of all mental health conditions and diseases; not own, possess, or have in her custody or control any animals other than the ten she was permitted to keep pursuant to the July 2015 animal surrender agreement, whether in a personal capacity or as an operator or employee of an animal shelter or rescue.

We’re grateful for the support of the local community in Moulton, law enforcement, volunteers, the public and the media on this major rescue effort and for their help in giving animals a second chance.