Staff report

Two Rowan County residents face multiple charges for having allegedly abused seven dogs, one of which has reportedly died.

Amity Basinger, 24, of the 3000 block of Earnhardt Road, and Ryan Basinger, 29, of the 2000 block of St. Peter’s Church Road, are both charged with 14 misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and three violations of local animal ordinances.

According to arrest records, Amity Basinger and Ryan Basinger are alleged to have “unlawfully and willfully abandoned” four pit bulls, two Chihuahua mixes and a terrier, and “failed to provide potable water and safe food” for the dogs.

In the case of one pit bull that died, the two allegedly “failed to provide veterinary care when needed to prevent suffering,” according to arrest records.

Both were arrested on Dec. 23, and have been released on $1,500 bond.

They are scheduled to appear in District Court on Jan. 26.