UPDATE: Man arrested in Lee County animal cruelty case
Lee County investigators have made an arrest in a recent animal cruelty case.
The investigation began during the evening hours of January 24, 2026, after deputies found 16 underfed dogs with no shelter and limited food and water at a home on Lee Road 400 in the Beauregard community.
Investigators determined no one lived at the residence and obtained a search warrant. During the investigation, the dogs’ owner arrived and was contacted by deputies.
All 16 dogs that appeared to be of a pit bull variety were seized and transported by Lee County Animal Control to a Veterinary clinic in Opelika to be evaluated.
The veterinarian advised investigators on January 25, 2026, that all the dogs were in poor health and it appeared that they had not been cared for on a regular basis, according to the sheriff’s office.
The owner of the dogs, 65-year-old Mose Washington Jr., from Opelika, was arrested and charged with 16 felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty with bond set at $80,000.00. This is an ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office reported no recent prior calls at the property, aside from a 2016 welfare check that found no mistreatment.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Office at 334-749-5651 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP (7867).
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