AHOSKIE – While details remain sketchy, it is known that Hertford County officials are investigating an alleged case of animal cruelty/neglect.

The Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald learned Wednesday afternoon that the Hertford County Sheriff’s Office and Animal Control were in the process of collecting information that may lead to arrest warrants being drawn.

Hertford County Emergency Management Director Charles Jones, whose department includes Animal Control, confirmed that eight of 23 dogs located at a vacant residence just north of Ahoskie on US 13 have been seized and taken to the county’s animal shelter.

“Those eight animals appeared to have been neglected and we are investigating to what extent animal cruelty is involved in this case,” Jones said after being contacted by telephone.

Jones added the 23 dogs were owned by two men and were supposedly being cared for by another individual.

“We have already spoken with one of the owners and have been in contact with the other, who lives out of state,” Jones said.

Jones said he and Hertford County Sheriff’s Detective Will Liverman have the case under investigation. More details will be made public as they become available.

Hertford County Animal Control was assisted in transporting the affected dogs by animal control officers from Bertie, Chowan and Gates counties.