Five dogs rescued and receiving care at Wake County Animal Center

Charisma Johnston, 22, has been arrested by Wendell police on five counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. Johnston allegedly confined five dogs in kennels inside a van with its windows closed at least overnight. The dogs, which include two Belgian Malinois, a 9-week-old Belgian Malinois puppy and two German Shepherds, were rescued and are in the care at the Wake County Animal Center.

The dogs were deprived of food, and the kennels contained feces and urine. When they were brought in, the dogs were covered in feces and urine and had a malodorous smell.

“We take the welfare of every animal in our care very seriously,” said Dr. Jennifer Federico, director of the Animal Center. “Our priority is to ensure that these dogs, and any animal under our supervision, receive the medical attention, nourishment and proper care they need while their cases are being investigated.”

Wake County Animal Control was notified of the situation by a Tennessee law enforcement agency on Oct. 15. Johnston, originally from Tennessee, is currently under investigation. The dogs remain in Wake County’s custody. This is an active investigation that involves several jurisdictions, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact Wake County Animal Control Supervisor Clarence Kinley at clarence.kinley@wake.gov.