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SOUTH MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - South Memphis residents on East Gage Avenue are shocked after their neighbor, an employee of Memphis Animal Services, was charged with animal cruelty last Friday.

Isaiah Bethany, 30, remains in jail on a $10,000 bond. He was supposed to go before a judge Tuesday, but the hearing was moved to June 23.

Isaiah Bethany, 30 (Shelby County Sheriff's Office)

Neighbors like Daysha Moore described East Gage Ave. as a quiet neighborhood.

Last Friday, investigators went to Bethany's home to conduct a narcotics search. The suspect for the search warrant was actually a family member who also lived at the home with Bethany.

Investigators ended up finding 17 dogs living in terrible conditions, according to the police affidavit.

 I can't believe that this person... all them dogs?! That needs some praying about,  said Moore.

According to investigators, they found a cage full of puppies covered in feces. One dog was chained outside and bleeding from the mouth.

Police also found another dog with bandaged ears and medical equipment consistent with an ear-cutting kit.

Plus, investigators said they also found supplies commonly used to train dogs to fight, and most dogs had dirty water or no water at all.

 The devil been busy,  said a woman who lives nearby and did not want to be identified.  This is real cruel to animals. People need to learn how to respect the animals as well as people… and right now, it's hot out here, you know. So, as far as fighting them and stuff, that's real cruel to even do that to animals. Animals, they're family members. 

Police arrested Bethany and charged him with animal cruelty.

Bethany is also an employee with Memphis Animal Services. MAS said that the city is working to terminate his employment.

 The City of Memphis has zero tolerance for animal cruelty. The allegations involving one employee do not reflect the mission or values of Memphis Animal Services, nor the employees who work every day to protect the animals and residents of our community. 

 That is crazy. So, I just, you know,

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