According to a press release from the Kinston Police Department:

On 01/13/2020 at 10:28 a.m., Kinston Police responded to 414 W. Blount St. in reference to a welfare check. Upon arrival Officers smelled a strong odor coming from the residence. Officers located two pit bulls located within the residence both locked inside a small kennel.

Both dogs were in various stages of neglect and malnourishment. The dogs were immediately rushed to veterinary care in regard to medical assistance. Upon further investigation, two owners were identified as Michael Whaley Jr. and Jamie Brooke Dula. The Kinston Police Department has obtained warrants for both Whaley and Dula for Felony Cruelty to Animals. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these two individuals is asked to contact the Kinston Police Department.

The Kinston Police Department places the highest priority on investigating crimes of violence perpetrated in our city. We will investigate such cases with no compromise for crime, and continue to seek assistance from the community we proudly serve. If anyone has information about this incident, please call the Kinston Police Department’s Tips Line at 252-939-4020 or Lenoir County Crime Stoppers at 252-523-4444. Calls to Crime Stoppers are confidential and anonymous, and the caller may be eligible for a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.