By Elisabeth Strillacci

SALISBURY — One of two people charged in 2023 with multiple counts of felony animal cruelty has been sentenced and the other is expected to appear in court Monday, Feb. 24, according to court records.

On Oct. 30, 2023, Justin Lee Smith and Madyson Danyell Clontz of Morlan Park Road were arrested following an investigation that stemmed initially from a Facebook post about a dog found in the area in poor condition on Oct. 21.

The following day, a rescue group picked the dog up and took it to the Rowan County Animal Shelter for an examination by a veterinarian on staff.

Not only was the vet able to determine the dog was suffering from starvation, but they were able to locate a microchip on the dog that listed Smith and Clontz’ address as the dog’s home.

Rowan County Animal Services and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office then conducted a raid on the home a week later and discovered numerous animals in distressful states, including three that were deceased.

Reports said there were 11 dogs, two cats, three goats, a bearded dragon, a turtle, a beta fish, four guineafowl, four ducks, six chicken hens, eight roosters, two pigs and two snakes. One dog, one goat and one snake were found dead.

The condition of the animals brought on 45 felony charges of animal cruelty, and the poor condition of the home, including mold and rat feces, also resulted in three misdemeanor child abuse charges.

The couple turned themselves in on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023. Smith was given a $6,000 bond and Clontz was given a $3,000 bond that day.

On Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, both were additionally charged with one count of felony killing an animal by starvation following the autopsy of the dog that was found deceased.

Clontz’ cases have been continued and she is scheduled to appear in Rowan Superior Court Monday, while Smith was convicted of 11 counts of felony animal cruelty and one count of killing an animal by starvation in November of 2024. In a plea agreement in which Smith pled guilty under the Alford Doctrine, Smith was sentenced to five years (60 months) of probation. If he violates probation and it is revoked, the judge ordered he would serve, consecutively, twelve terms of 6-17 months for each charge. During the five years of probation, he is not allowed to own any animals.

Smith’s charges of child abuse remain pending.