Tina Jones

Dozens of dogs are now waiting for a good home at the Knox/Whitley animal shelter.

Officials in McCreary County say complaints about Tina Jones and her operation on Cherry Lane in Pine Knot prompted an investigation. When they got there, they say they found dogs living in awful conditions, and some already dead.

“A total of 7 dead dogs, 5 on a burn pile. There was one pup that was barely alive that couldn’t raise its head also on the burn pile,” said McCreary County Judge-Executive Doug Stephens.

Stephens says Jones had called him earlier this week asking about requirements to set up a shelter. Yet on the animal shelter.org web site, it is claimed that “Heavens Little Angels” is just that. Stephens says the establishment had not acquired the proper credentials from the Secretary of State.

“And I also told her that until she got all that in place she could not operate a facility,” Stephens said.

29 dogs were taken to the Knox Whitley Shelter in Rockholds. Nothing could be done for several others.

“A small dog looked like it had been dead several days that was being eaten by several other dogs,” Stephens says of the grotesque scene.

Tina Jones was charged with cruelty to animals, 2nd degree, and lodged in the McCreary County Jail where her grandfather, Everett Young, said they were having trouble coming up with the $7,500 in bond money to get her out.

Young says Jones is a good girl who always made sure the dogs were fed.

Officials say they’re not sure what killed the dogs but don’t think it was lack of food or water.

“Yeah, it shocks me. Heck, there ain’t nothing I can do for her,” said Young.

Jones did not want to talk about her charges from jail.