(Lincolnton) Lincoln County Animal Services aids the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office in an animal cruelty case which led to the defendant pleading guilty to felony animal cruelty and being sentenced to six to 17 months in jail along with 24 months of supervised probation. On October 4th, 2024, the Lincolnton Police Department received a call for a welfare check at an apartment due to an offensive odor. During the investigation officers found a deceased dog in the home along with evidence involving animal cruelty. Lincolnton Police contacted Lincoln County Animal Services to assist with the investigation. The animal’s remains were sent to Griffin Animal Diagnostic Laboratory. On October 9th, 2024 results from the lab reported starvation as the likely cause of death. Lincolnton Police moved forward with seeking felony animal cruelty charges. In July of 2025, Lincoln County Animal Services met with the District Attorney’s Office and testified on the case in August 2025. On November 5th, 2025 Animal Services received information regarding the guilty plea. “This would not have been possible without Animal Services stepping up to the plate,’ said Assistant District Attorney Susan Red, ‘We want you to know we sincerely appreciate all your efforts.” Animal Services wants to extend their gratitude to the Lincolnton Police Department, Griffin Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office for the compassion and dedication to this case. Animal Services wants to encourage Lincoln County residents to report any concerns of cruelty or neglect to animals so that an appropriate investigation can be carried out. A welfare check can be made anonymously by calling Animal Services at 704-736-4125. Reports may also be made after hours by calling the Lincoln County non-emergency line at 704-735- 8202.