PITT COUNTY, N.C. — Autum Johnson, 27, of Washington, was arrested on November 7 by the Pitt County Sheriff’s Office for animal cruelty and abandonment.
Deputies stopped a vehicle around 6:26 p.m. they believed Johnson was occupying. She faces 20 counts of cruelty to animals and 20 counts of abandonment of animals, in addition to an outstanding warrant for failing to appear on unrelated charges. Johnson remains in custody under a $15,000 secured bond.
Warrants state that Johnson allegedly deprived chickens of food and water, resulting in the death of four chickens, and failed to provide horses with sufficient food and veterinary care, causing health declines. Several animals were reportedly left without sustenance for at least three days.
The vehicle’s driver, Anthony Alan Bishop, 46, of Grimesland, was seen with a handgun in plain view. Bishop, a convicted felon in Arkansas, was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He remains in custody under a $2,500 secured bond.
