Staff photo by Dan Henry/The Chattanooga Times Free Press
Winston Andrew O’Dell leaves court after making an appearance before City Judge Russell Bean in a cruelty to animals case where McKamey animal welfare officials seized 19 dogs from his home earlier this month.The co-owner of 19 Chihuahuas seized by Chattanooga animal control officers on Valentine’s Day had a tough choice Thursday to make after an hour in City Court.
After hearing testimony about “very neglectful” conditions in a trailer with blacked-out windows, no electricity and a kerosene heater pushing temperatures to 101 degrees, City Court Judge Russell Bean gave Winston Andrew O’Dell Jr. a choice.
“I believe you love dogs, but I’m having a big-time problem with 19 dogs in a trailer,” Bean said. “Which two dogs are your favorite?”
O’Dell hesitated for a moment, looking down as he stood before the judge, then said in a wavering voice, “I’d about rather be shot than make that decision.”
Bean ordered 16 of the dogs to remain in the custody of the McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center, which has treated and housed the pets since they were seized.