Bessemer City Woman Arrested on 16 Charges After Animal Abandonment

Gaston County, NC (WNN) - A 39-year-old woman has been identified after a social media uproar about animal abandonment.

According to the Gaston County Sheriff's Office, Heather Knight, a resident of Bessemer City, was arrested on Thursday evening, April 9, 2026, just hours after abandoning eight puppies.

Gaston County Animal Care and Enforcement (GCACE) posted on Facebook around 2 PM yesterday, April 9, stating that the puppies had been reunited with their momma, Roxie, just one week after being born. GCACE stated they are seeking individuals interested in rescuing and/or fostering these puppies and their mom. 

Knight now faces a total of 16 charges, eight counts of animal abandonment and eight counts of animal cruelty, with each puppy accounting for a separate set of charges. Knight was issued a $10,000 bond and is currently awaiting a court date, which has not yet been announced.

WNN will provide more updates as they become available.

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North Carolina Press Association Member