STAPLETON, Ala.—The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Lee Blackmon, 29, who was charged with three counts of animal cruelty that reportedly occurred at a residence off County Road 39 in Stapleton, according to Maj. Anthony Lowery, civil division commander.

Blackmon was released on $1,500 bail—three counts of animal cruelty at $500 each— Thursday, according to sheriff’s office records.

Deputies got the call from a neighbor who was concerned that three boxer-bulldog mixes hadn’t had food or water for about three weeks, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

When deputies arrived at the residence they found one dog inside who was malnourished to the point it could not stand on its own.

“Dehydration is believed to be the cause since it did not have the benefit of rain water,” Lowery said.

Two dogs were recovered outside, one with a cable wrapped around both hind legs, and one in a pin, Lowery said. 

It is believed that the dog accidentally tangled itself in the cable after being left alone for so long, Lowery said.

The cable was wrapped tightly around one of the dog’s back legs that caused the leg to begin to decompose, the release said.

The dog found inside was taken to a veterinarian by a family member of Blackmon. The two dogs found outside were taken to the Baldwin County Animal Shelter, the release said.