Davidson County Deputies Make Arrest: Animal Cruelty

On July 7, 2026, deputies with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division responded to a residence on the 100 Block of Haven Hill Road, in Lexington, North Carolina, in reference to animals living in unsanitary conditions. A search warrant was executed the morning of July 8, 2026, where (9) cats and (1) dog were seized. Lawanda Holland, Lelia Dunn, and Christopher Leonard were taken into custody.

Lawanda Holland was charged with (10) misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty, (1) misdemeanor count of instigating animal cruelty, and additional local and state ordinance violations, including no current Rabies Vaccinations and hoarding in high volumes- possessing more than 6 unaltered animals. Lawanda Holland received a $3,500 secured bond.

Lelia Dunn was charged with (1) misdemeanor count of animal cruelty, (1) misdemeanor count of instigating animal cruelty, and (1) count of failure to provide current Rabies Vaccines and received a $1000 unsecured bond.

Christopher Leonard was charged with (1) misdemeanor count of animal cruelty, (1) misdemeanor count of instigating cruelty to animals, and (1) misdemeanor count for failing to provide current Rabies Vaccines, and received a $1000 unsecured bond. Mr. Leonard was also charged with (1) felony count possession of schedule II, and (1) misdemeanor count possession of drug paraphernalia, and received no bond. All are scheduled to appear in the District Court of Davidson County on July 8, 2026.

This investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Corporal C. Soles with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division at (336) 242-2105. Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 15A-532, conditions of release in judicial proceedings are determined by judicial officials. Bond amounts are not set by law enforcement.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.