BEDFORD— Two individuals are facing criminal charges in Lawrence County after authorities say they abandoned their dog in an outdoor kennel following an eviction earlier this month.
On April 6, 2026, Deputy C. Pruett of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department responded to a residence on Autumn Lane regarding reports of an abandoned animal.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the residents, identified as Brandon R. Smith, 32, of Columbus, and Chelsie R. Ferran, 38, of Bedford, had been removed from the property by sheriff’s deputies on March 30 via a Writ of Assistance. A formal lockout of the residence was completed on April 2.
A neighbor informed investigators that he and his wife had been providing the dog with food and water since the eviction on April 1. The neighbor stated that while Smith and Ferran had claimed multiple times they would return for the dog and other personal items left behind, they failed to do so.
The dog, described as a small, older, black-and-white breed wearing a gray jacket, was found in a large latched kennel. Although the dog appeared to be in stable condition at the time of the initial check, it remained unclaimed for several days.
Deputy Pruett attempted to contact the pair on April 6. While Ferran eventually returned the call and stated they would retrieve the animal the following morning, the neighbors reported on April 9 that no contact had been made and the dog was still on the property.
On April 10, authorities officially impounded the animal. Deputy Pruett transported the dog to the Dog Club boarding house in Mitchell. Because the current residence of Smith and Ferran was unknown, animal seizure and bond forms were left at the Autumn Lane address.
The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department has requested criminal warrants for both Smith and Ferran. They each face a charge of animal neglect. Ferran was detained on Sunday, April 26. Police are still looking for Smith.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
