Man accused of killing, dumping animals

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CANTON, Miss., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- A former animal control officer in Canton, Miss., shot and killed dozens of cats and dogs before dumping the animals' bodies in a creek, officials allege.

Canton Alderman Charles Weems said Canton animal control worker Alonzo Esco was fired after being accused of killing 100 or more animals, whose remains were found in an area creek following a citizen complaint, the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger reported Friday.

Madison County District Attorney Michael Guest said Esco, who worked for the city for three years, has not been charged with any crimes.

Guest said the county prosecutor's office is handling the case and misdemeanor animal cruelty charges could eventually be filed.

"At this point, I don't see anything that would result in any felonies," Guest added.

Weems told the Clarion-Ledger he was sickened by photos of the animals' remains and compared Esco to NFL player Michael Vick, who was jailed for his involvement in a dogfighting ring.

"It's unbelievable someone could do something like that to these animals," Weems said. "This is worse than Michael Vick."