The vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Mississippi, Charlotte Pegues, has been indicted on multiple counts of animal cruelty after authorities discovered dead and malnourished dogs at a property outside Oxford last month.
Lafayette County Sheriff Joey East told WTVA that Pegues was served with an indictment by a grand jury for 10 counts of animal cruelty. Her bond was set at $75,000, which she has already posted.
The charges stem from the discovery of 10 deceased dogs and 20 malnourished animals that were rescued from the residence on County Road 418 in August.
"Upon arrival at the residence, deputies saw several dogs that appeared very malnourished and discovered several dogs that were deceased still attached to their collars and chains," the sheriff's office said in a statement to News Channel 3.
Pegues' husband, Terry Pegues, was also charged with 10 counts of animal cruelty.
The university released the following statement on the situation:
"The university is aware of the indictment and the employee has been placed on leave. The alleged charges did not result from any actions taken at or for the university, and the university is not among the parties involved in the investigation by the Lafayette County Sheriff's Department. The university will not provide further comment at this time."
