CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. — More than 30 dogs have been rescued from a Tunnel Hill property following an animal abuse investigation led by the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement.
The operation, carried out in partnership with Catoosa County officials, was prompted by reports of animal cruelty. Investigators say they discovered 20 dogs living outside in filthy conditions, while several others were found in an abandoned structure deemed hazardous. All of the animals were removed and transported for veterinary care and evaluation.
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J. Harper stated the department is “cracking down hard on animal abuse in the state of Georgia.” This marks the second large-scale animal rescue in northwest Georgia by the department in the past month.
Authorities executed a search warrant on Tuesday with assistance from Catoosa County Animal Control, the Atlanta Humane Society, Walker County Animal Control, and Murray County Animal Control. In total, 32 dogs were seized during the operation.