Sikeston woman arrested on animal neglect charges

SIKESTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston woman was in jail Friday on charges of animal neglect.

Elaine Shantey Williams, 37, was charged Thursday in Scott County with two misdemeanor counts of animal neglect or abandonment, according to Lt. Jim McMillen, public information officer for Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

"This is one of the most obvious cases of neglect that I have seen in my career," McMillen said. "Miraculously, somehow the animals are still alive."

Williams' arrest stems from an investigation Wednesday by Sikeston DPS on an animal abuse complaint. DPS worked with the Sikeston Area Humane Society and Sikeston Code Enforcement to take custody of two canines located at Williams' residence on Montgomery Street in Sikeston.

"Both animals were severely malnourished and seized from Williams," McMillen said.

DPS located Williams, who was not home at the time, and placed her under arrest for the abuse of the animals.

"Both animals had several bones plainly visible through the skin -- ribs, backbone, tailbone, etc. They had no food or water and were chained to a tree," McMillen said.

Williams remained in custody Friday, awaiting her arraignment. She was given a $5,000 bond with a bond condition of "no care, no custody or control of animals."

Pertinent address:

Montgomery Street, Sikeston, MO