Heber Springs, AR – A Heber Springs couple is in custody following the discovery of severe animal cruelty and neglect at their rental home on West North Street, uncovered Friday morning, July 25, 2025. Robert Kernes, 63, and Sharon Kernes, 60, were arrested after authorities, accompanied by animal control and the property’s landlord, found 28 malnourished, flea-infested dogs living in deplorable conditions, with three additional dogs deceased in a freezer.
Animal Control officers removed the surviving dogs to a local shelter, where Heber Springs Humane Society volunteers immediately began treating them for fleas, starvation, and poor hygiene. “It was pretty dire,” said Terri Alvarado, president of the Humane Society. “The dogs had fecal matter matted in their fur, many were hairless, and they were severely underfed—some devoured food the moment we offered it. They were desperate.” Alvarado noted signs of a backyard breeding operation, with more females than males, evidence of repeated litters, and little medical care. The Humane Society is collaborating with out-of-state rescues to relocate the dogs for long-term care and adoption.
“The shelter is overwhelmed,” Alvarado added. “We’re already triple capacity, and these dogs are now in quarantine. We lack the space and resources to handle this alone.”
The investigation began when landlord Sarah Griggs arrived to deliver a final eviction notice after months of unpaid rent since February and denied access to inspect the property. “The smell hit me immediately—dog waste had seeped into the floors and walls,” Griggs said. “I had no idea it was this bad until I walked in.” She brought law enforcement to assist, leading to the arrests. Griggs also reported that the couple lived with their 30-year-old autistic son, who was removed and taken to a local hospital in a malnourished state, with bones visible under his skin. “Robert begged me not to evict them, but I followed legal steps, and they refused to leave,” she said.
The home requires extensive repairs before it can be rented again, with restoration crews slated to start Monday. Griggs estimates months of work to address the damage. “Renters must keep payments current and maintain properties, or they’ll lose their homes,” she emphasized.
Robert and Sharon Kernes are held in Cleburne County Jail on charges of animal cruelty and abuse of an endangered or impaired adult, with no bond set as of 12:59 PM CDT, Saturday, July 26, 2025. Alvarado noted that such cases are not isolated. “Neglect and abuse happen daily in our neighborhoods, often unnoticed,” she said. “We start with anger, then take action.”
The Heber Springs Humane Society is appealing to the community— including nearby Batesville residents—for donations, supplies, and rescue partnerships to support the dogs’ recovery. For ways to help, contact the Humane Society directly. The Batesville Tribune will provide updates as the investigation progresses.
