A 57-year-old rural Odin man has been arrested on an outstanding Marion County warrant for inhumane care of animals and cruel treatment of animals. Hank Henson of Delmar Avenue in the Royal Lakes area was taken into custody at his home Thursday morning after efforts to get him to give up all but five of his 17 dogs on Wednesday failed. Bond for Henson on the two misdemeanor charges was set at $50,000 by Judge Michael McHaney. Sheriff Jerry Devore says Veterinarian Dr. A.J. Sprague and Animal Control Officer Bobby Patton Juniornegotiated with Henson for two hours before talks ended and a report was sent to the State's Attorney's office that resulted in the arrest warrant being issued. If Henson is able to post bond, one of the conditions is he is not allowed to have any animals. Sprague and Patton began removing the dogs from Henson's home following his arrest. Devore says the investigation into Henson began in September following complaints from neighbors about the poor condition of some of the dogs, reports of some dogs dying in fights between them and the remains being eaten by other dogs. The sheriff reports Henson had been given until October third to get the dogs vaccinated, a deadline that was not met. In an effort to work out a compromise with Henson on Wednesday, Dr. Sprague had offered to spay, neuter and vaccinate the five dogs that Henson would have been allowed to keep at no cost. However, the offer was rejected. - http://goo.gl/ux5zw
