By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

Salisbury Police investigators serving search warrants at two local homes discovered a mistreated pitbull puppy with mange and other issues. The occupants of the homes face drug and animal cruelty charges.

Officials said they raided two homes simultaneously Thursday morning around 8:30 a.m. — one at 517 E. Fisher St. and the other 117 S. Shaver St. Investigators found drug paraphernalia, money and a small amount of crack cocaine at the East Fisher Street home.

James Price Jr., 59, of East Fisher Street, was charged with felony drug possession and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was issued a $1,000 secured bond and has since been released from the Rowan County jail.

While at South Shaver Street, investigators charged David Leon Simpson, 34, with misdemeanor drug possession, misdemeanor maintaining a dwelling place for controlled substances and misdemeanor cruelty to animals. He has since been released from the county jail under a $10,000 secured bond.

Police charged Keyerrah Renee Barskile, 24, of South Shaver Street, with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture schedule II, felony maintaining a dwelling place for controlled substances, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. She has since been released from jail under a $10,000 secured bond.

The dog had mange, swollen feet and droopy eyes, said Police Capt. Shelia Lingle.

She said the dog was taken to a local veterinarian for treatment. The dog’s condition is unknown.