Granby man charged with animal abuse, 83 dogs removed

The Newton County Prosecuting Attorney's office charged a Granby man with one felony count of animal abuse and two misdemeanor counts today.

According to the probable cause statement, Devin Matthew Harris (DOB 1977) was operating Great Danes of the Ozarks, an unlicensed dog breeding facility.

Harris was arraigned today in Newton County Circuit Court. A pre-trial conference is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 7. His bond is set at $5,000 cash or surety.

The allegations against Harris are detailed in the probable cause statement:

I have probable cause to believe that DH is operating Great Danes of the Ozarks without a commercial license and is responsible for the death of two adult dogs and three puppies.

One dog was found with a bullet hole in its right side neck area, One dog was skeletal remains and the three puppies were in a state of decomposition and cause of death is unknown. 

DH is also operating the two kennels in a state of unsanitary conditions with no form of ventilation and the smell of ammonia was to the point that Personal Protective gear needed to be worn to remove the dogs and door had to be opened to air the kennels out. 

Also their was a large amount of fecal material and diarrhea on the floors and walls to a state that it made it difficult to walk through the kennels without slipping and falling. 

Around 83 dogs were taken and there were some requiring immediate medical attention for cuts, scrapes and bites from other dogs and sores on the bodies. The areas the dogs were kept were small and dirty for the amount of dogs kept in the area.

The case was investigated by the Granby Police Department.