Local Man Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges: Dozens of Dogs Seized

Humane Society Describes Conditions as "Horrible"

Approximately 75 dogs were seized from the Pine Grove community in an animal cruelty arrest. (photo: ECSO)

Darren Doyle, story:
An Edmonson County man has been arrested and faces animal cruelty charges after law enforcement discovered dozens of dogs in pens, living in inhumane conditions, according to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office.

According to an Edmonson County Deputy Sheriff, law enforcement was dispatched to Pine Grove Church Road around 4PM on Friday, August 11, 2023 to the complaint of animal cruelty. The deputy stated that he saw between 50 and 60 dogs in one 20x20 pen and a small shed, living in a mixture of mud, urine and feces, and rotten food with little or no water. 

The deputy also stated that whatever water was available to some of the dogs was extremely dirty and not fit to drink.

In addition, the deputy also said the dogs were being fed rotten chicken carcasses that were infested with maggots. At least one dog was found dead among the group.

Travis Basham, (49), of Bowling Green (Pine Grove) was arrested and charged with Torture of cat/dog with serious physical injury or death (Class D Felony), and Cruelty to animals second degree (Class A Misdemeanor).

The dogs were fed rotten chicken carcasses, according to law enforcement. (photo: ECSO)

One of 79 rescued dogs at the property. (photo: BG/WC Humane Society Facebook)

Travis Basham (49), Bowling Green.

Facebook post from the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society

In a Facebook post from the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society, which included several photos of the incident, stated: "We took three vans to the location, and they all came back full. The conditions were horrible…overcrowded feces-filled kennels and dogs chained to trees throughout the property. Nothing for food but whole dead chickens and rotten eggs that were chucked to them on occasion, discarded by the nearby chicken farm. Their water was green with algae and bugs, and all were malnourished and dealing with fleas, ticks, and skin issues."

In total, 79 dogs were seized and sheltered by the Bowling Green/Warren County Humane Society. The shelter is seeking donations and adoptions for the rescued dogs.

Edmonson County Animal Control also assisted with the rescue.

Basham was transported and lodged in the Hart County Jail.