Arrest warrants have been issued for a Walker County couple after authorities discovered multiple dogs dead and others in distress inside a commercial building on McFarland Avenue.
Ronald Lee Jackson, 48, and Melissa Sue Jackson, 43, are facing 17 charges, including six felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, following the discovery of three deceased dogs and five others suffering from neglect in a small room within a business located at 2234 McFarland Avenue.
The investigation began when Walker County Sheriff’s deputies noticed an open door at the property and conducted a welfare check. Inside, they found several dogs in poor condition. A search warrant was later obtained, allowing animal control officers to enter the building and uncover three dead dogs, along with a severely malnourished puppy that died shortly afterward.
Officials reported that the dogs were left without food or water in a room filled with urine, feces, insects, and excessive heat. The building lacked proper ventilation or air conditioning, creating hazardous conditions for the animals.
In the process of removing the deceased animals, officers located two small puppies and two mixed-breed Chihuahuas still alive but in extremely poor condition. The puppies were diagnosed with Parvo, a contagious and potentially deadly disease affecting unvaccinated dogs.
According to the investigation, Ronald Jackson stated the dogs had been relocated to the business temporarily because he and his wife were staying in a hotel. He later surrendered the surviving dogs to the Walker County Animal Shelter, but the couple has not surrendered to authorities.
In addition to the six felony charges, both Ronald and Melissa Jackson are charged with three counts of improper disposal of a dead animal, two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, two counts of abandonment of a domestic animal, and four violations of Georgia’s rabies control law.
If convicted on the felony charges alone, each could face up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $90,000. As of Monday, the couple remains at large.