Kentucky: Two Laurel County dogs die after ingesting meth; registered sex offender Benjamin Burdette charged

KENTUCKY --  Benjamin David Burdette, age 40 of London, is in jail charged with Wanton Endangerment – first-degree and two counts of Cruelty to Animals – second-degree.

Deputies with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office arrested Burdette on Tuesday morning at a home on White Oak Road.

Deputies were dispatched to the home regarding a complaint about an argument. When they arrived, they say they discovered Burdette had been using meth in the presence of a two-year old girl.

In addition, deputies said they found several medications, chemicals, and meth pipes that the toddler could have easily accessed. The little girl was removed from the home by Social Services.

 

Deputies also found two small dogs in the home. One of them, a terrier, appeared to be in distress. Both dogs were taken to the Cumberland Valley Animal Hospital. One dog died. The other dog had to be euthanized. A veterinarian believes both dogs were fed meth.

"I don't how you get a dog to eat meth. I don't know if it tastes good to a dog," said Susan Smith, with Cumberland Valley Animal Hospital. "No clue how you would get a dog to ingest it unless you hid it in a hot dog or something to poison it with."

Burdette was also charged on two counts of Failure to Comply with Sex Offender Registration, and for being a persistent felony offender.

Burdette is lodged in the Laurel County Detention Center.

Anna Burdette was also charged.

(WKYT - Aug 24, 2016)