Animal Cruelty Investigation
Police Seek Dothan Grooming Business Owner Following Discovery of Neglected and Dead Animals
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Police in Dothan, Alabama, have charged 41-year-old Brandi Leann Tyrrell with two felony counts of first-degree cruelty to a cat and six counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered several dead cats and abandoned live animals inside her grooming business, JoJo's LaundroMutt, according to Fox 34. The business had been left unattended for about a month with no electricity or water since June, and Tyrrell is currently wanted by police.
Abandoned Animals Found in Locked Building
On August 20, neighboring business owners reported a foul odor coming from JoJo's LaundroMutt. Dothan Animal Services and police arrived to find several dead cats and multiple live animals trapped inside enclosures with no utilities, according to KPLC. The grooming facility had been without power and water since June when Tyrrell stopped paying rent and utilities were shut off.
Witnesses told authorities they had not seen Tyrrell for at least three weeks before the discovery. The surviving animals were taken into custody by Dothan Animal Services for emergency veterinary care. Police are searching for Tyrrell and asking the public for information on her whereabouts.
Financial Troubles Led to Business Collapse
Tyrrell's grooming business fell into financial distress months before the discovery. According to local reports, a "notice to pay rent or quit" was posted on the door in June. Utility companies then disconnected electricity and water service, leaving any remaining animals without basic survival needs for weeks.
The exact timeline shows utilities were cut in June, and Tyrrell vanished by late July. For approximately one month, the animals were left locked inside the building during peak Alabama summer heat with no air conditioning or access to food and water.
Serious Felony Charges Under Alabama Law
Under Alabama law, first-degree cruelty to a cat is a Class C felony. Conviction carries a sentence of one to ten years per count. Tyrrell faces two felony counts for the dead cats plus six misdemeanor animal cruelty counts, meaning she could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted on all charges and sentenced consecutively, according to KALB.
Police are urging anyone with information about Tyrrell's location to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215 or Central Alabama CrimeStoppers. The case has sparked strong public outrage on social media, with community members demanding maximum penalties for the alleged neglect.
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