Content Warning: This story contains a potentially disturbing photo.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office says Melinda Sue Heaton faces three charges after investigators say she falsely reported finding a dead dog on her front porch.
On October 13, 2026, Heaton called 911, claiming an unknown person had left the dog in a carrier outside her home. Investigators determined the dog belonged to Heaton, who allegedly failed to seek veterinary care when it became ill. They say she left the dog's body in the carrier for several days before calling 911.
Heaton was arrested Thursday and charged with felony ill-treatment of animals, unlawful use of 911, and failure to properly dispose of a deceased animal.
ACSO full press release below:
On October 13, 2026, the Anderson County Sheriff's Office's Animal Control Unit responded to an address on South Main Street in Anderson following a 911 call reporting that someone left a deceased dog inside a transport carrier on the front porch of a residence.
The complainant, Melinda Sue Heaton, reported that an unknown individual had placed the carrier containing the deceased dog on her front porch. An investigation was initiated at that point in time. Upon completion of the investigation, it was determined that the deceased dog belonged to Heaton and that she had provided false information to both dispatch and the responding deputy.
Investigators also determined that the dog had become ill and that Heaton had failed to obtain veterinary care for the animal. After the dog died, Heaton left the deceased animal inside the transport carrier for several days, during which partial decomposition of the dog occurred, before calling 911 to report the incident herself.
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, Heaton was arrested and charged with the following three offenses:
- Felony Ill-Treatment of Animals
- Unlawful Use of 911
- Failure to Properly Dispose of a Deceased Animal
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office, under the leadership of Sheriff McBride, remains committed to protecting the welfare and safety of animals throughout Anderson County. Allegations of animal cruelty will be thoroughly investigated, and individuals charged with committing crimes against animals will be held accountable throughout the criminal justice process.
