By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
LEVEL PLAINS—Two Dale County residents have been arrested after authorities discovered numerous dogs allegedly living in severely neglected conditions at a residence in Level Plains.
According to the Level Plains Police Department, officers responded Monday morning to reports of possible animal abuse at a home on Phyllis Avenue. Upon arrival, officers reportedly found multiple dogs living in what investigators described as unsanitary and concerning conditions. A preliminary investigation raised significant concerns about the animals’ health, welfare, and overall care.
Police arrested 25-year-old Glenn Egan and 22-year-old Kristen Slater following the investigation. Authorities charged both individuals with 31 counts each of aggravated animal cruelty or neglect. The charges stem from evidence collected at the scene and observations made by investigators during their response to the incident.
Officials have not released additional details regarding the condition of the individual animals or the circumstances that led to the investigation.
Several Wiregrass animal rescue organizations assisted law enforcement with the case, helping remove and care for the affected dogs. Among the groups providing support were Grande Pawlace, Southern Dog Mission, and Joy’s Pet Haven.
Karen with Southern Dog Mission spoke with us about the incident and described conditions as “unimaginable.”
“I don’t think anyone could imagine the suffering these dogs and cats endured. My concern is that this case will be pleaded out and justice for these animals will not be served.”
She added, “Cases like these are happening far too often right here within our community, but the severity of this case is particularly horrendous. We ask that the public respectfully ask the Dale County District Attorney’s Office to always prosecute animal cruelty cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
Level Plains Police Chief John Summers thanked the rescue organizations for their assistance, noting that their quick response helped ensure the animals received immediate attention and care.
Both individuals were charged with 31 counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. Under Alabama Code Section 13A-11-14.1, the animal cruelty charges are escalated when the standard of cruelty laws is violated through explicit acts of “torture”. In such cases, the crimes are escalated, and “aggravated” is added to the animal cruelty charges. In such cases, this is typically due to the severity of the harm or the explicit torture of animals. This can include causing physical injury to an animal via inhumane treatment, intentionally causing intensive and severe, prolonged pain, and/or causing serious physical injury or death. While the case is under review by the Dale County District Attorney’s Office, the charges may be adjusted based on their interpretation of the law and the circumstances of the investigation.
The investigation remains ongoing. Police said no additional information is being released at this time.
Court records regarding the defendants’ bond status were not immediately available.
Kristen Slater was arrested by Level Plains Police and charged with 31 counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Dale County Jail)
Glenn Egan was also arrested by Level Plains Police and charged with 31 counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals. (Dale County Jail).
