Police: Man commits suicide during animal cruelty investigation

DALTON — A Dalton man reportedly killed himself while police were investigating reports of animal cruelty.

As part of an investigation concerning two locations — in Cleveland, Tennessee as well as Dalton — police found multiple animals in poor health and suffering from “apparent neglect and living in horrible conditions,” Dalton police reported.

Dalton police were following up with a complaint against 42-year-old Stephen Kinder who had a dog training business in Tennessee. That investigation led to Bradley County authorities arresting Kinder and charging him with four counts of animal cruelty.

At that point Dalton police got a search warrant for Kinder’s residence and found 16 dogs, two baby goats, two turtles, a snake and, in the back yard, nine ducks. There was also a dead turtle and also several dead snakes. The animals were malnourished and living in filth, with the dogs all in kennels and many of them covered in their own waste.

Police attempted to contact Kinder who said he would meet them at the residence. Later, Dalton investigators were contacted by Bradley County and learned that Kinder had apparently killed himself with a self-inflicted gunshot.

A representative of the Whitfield County Animal Shelter responded to the Mattie Street scene to assist with rescuing the animals. The shelter coordinated with various animal rescue groups to find housing for the animals. They have all been safely placed with shelters or homes in Georgia.

This case is still being investigated. At this time, the Dalton Police Department has not filed any charges against any individuals.