LaFayette, GA – A house showing in Walker County took a disturbing turn last week when prospective buyers alerted authorities to what they described as horrific living conditions for dozens of animals inside a property on Highway 151. As a result, five individuals are now facing multiple animal cruelty charges.
James Delbert Fields, Jr., 78; Miriam Fields, 65; Mario Lopez, 42; Melodie Lopez, 40; and Britni Fields, 20, have each been charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty and three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals following an investigation by Walker County Animal Control and the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
The case began when a couple touring the home with their realtor flagged down an animal control officer to report concerns about the well-being of several animals on the property. Among the disturbing sights they described was a dead ferret locked in a crate.
Responding officers quickly discovered the ferret outside the residence, along with a decomposing rabbit and two goats that had died in their crates. A search warrant was obtained, and upon entering the house, officials encountered “deplorable” conditions, including urine-soaked carpets, rooms filled with caked feces, rotting food, and a widespread insect infestation.
In total, officers removed 20 live animals from the property, including nine dogs, four cats, two horses, two donkeys, two goats, a sheep, and a pony. While four animals are currently under a court hold, the remaining dogs and cats are now available for adoption through the Walker County Animal Shelter. The larger animals have been placed with a livestock rescue.
The home, previously listed for sale at $275,000, has been officially condemned due to the severity of its condition.
