Neighbors Upset After Parents Found with Children in Dog Cages

Neighbors are still upset after the Gulfport Police Department arrested and charged three Gulfport residents for allegedly locking their children in dog kennels.

Jordan Mordecai has been living on Hardy Avenue in Gulfport for just two weeks, but that’s enough for him to question the suspicious behavior going on a few houses down the street. Mordecai says, "I don’t know how people could do that. It just seems like they’re not in their right mind."

According to research by Mississippi State University, child abuse could have long term effects on children, such as low self-esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties in adulthood. Mordecai also says, "I feel bad personally, seeing a dog in a kennel. I mean, they have to stay in a kennel all day long. I mean, especially a kid. I can’t even imagine. That amazes me."

While it is unclear how long the children have been living in these conditions, neighbors say they are saddened, but not surprised. Mordecai says, "We work night shifts and we’ve come home at 3 or 4 o’clock in the morning. I’ve seen them out in their yard, just suspicious behavior. It doesn’t seem normal."

While neighbors played a big part in bringing this crime to light, always make sure child abuse claims are legitimate, as falsely reporting child abuse could soon become a crime in Mississippi. The State Senate passed a bill on Thursday that would set a penalty of up to $5,000 and a year in jail for falsely reporting child abuse.

Mordecai closes, "I hope they get punished for what they did. Like I said, those kids didn’t deserve it."