Rossville, GA — A welfare check on several horses has resulted in the arrest of two individuals on animal cruelty charges in Walker County.
Raul Rodriguez, 47, faces 12 counts of cruelty to animals, while Belinda Rodriguez, 56, is charged with 11 counts following a two-day investigation at a property located at 44 Manor Lane, just outside Rossville.
Walker County Animal Control officers responded after receiving complaints about multiple horses appearing malnourished. Upon investigation, officers found several animals in poor condition, showing signs of emaciation and insufficient feeding to maintain healthy body weight. Some animals also suffered from missing fur, open wounds on their legs, and inflamed skin.
A veterinarian called to evaluate the animals confirmed that several were in pain due to neglect, though they did not believe the owners acted maliciously, but rather failed to provide the necessary care for their livestock.
Following the owners’ agreement to surrender the animals, authorities removed four horses, three donkeys, two mini-horses, two pigs, one rabbit, and multiple chickens and goats from the property. Animals in the most critical condition were sent to TMMA Farms & Sanctuary in Trion for treatment, while others were placed with a livestock rescue organization.
