THOMAS CO. – A Brooks county man who was arrested in March for hoarding more than 70 dogs on his property has now filed a civil suit against the agency that seized the animals.

Richard Jerry McLeod filed the civil suit claiming the Thomas County Humane Society did not have permission to remove more dogs from his property, and now he wants them back.

On March 16, the Thomas County Humane Society assisted Animal Control officials in seizing 72 dogs from the McLeod’s property on Liberty Church Road.

McLeod was arrested and charged with multiple counts of cruelty to animals, aggravated cruelty to animals, failure to comply with rabies vaccinations, animals running at large, keeping of sick or diseased animals, lack of shelter requirements and obstruction. He was later released on bond.

In a released statement, the shelter’s executive director said, “It is very disappointing that we have to switch our attention and take time to fight this legal claim.”

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