Shelby County couple arrested in animal abuse case

The Shelby County Sheriff’s Department has announced that a couple has been arrested in an animal abuse case. According to Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham, 39-year-old Robert Lindley and 44-year-old Christal Gayle Lindley, both of Center, were the operators of a dog shelter owned by the City of Center. Each has been charged with Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals. Sheriff Windham said it was discovered that the dogs in the shelter were living in unsuitable conditions, and at least one dog had died. According to Windham, most of the dogs in the shelter appeared to have mange and were malnourished. Additionally, Windham said the facility didn’t have adequate air flow. The sheriff said one dog was returned to its owner, while 14 other dogs were taken in by an animal rescue organization out of Tyler and their conditions will be treated.