FORSYTH, Ga. — Six people were arrested in an animal cruelty case where five animals died, and over 12 were rescued, according to Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday.
Residents who lived at a home on Archer Avenue were under investigation by the the Forsyth County Animal Services Division and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit, given ongoing complaints that they were neglecting and mistreating animals.
The investigation began with the death of a puppy in April 2023, sold from the location and succumbing to parvovirus—a highly contagious disease. Despite warnings from Forsyth County Animal Services to refrain from adopting more animals until the residents and existing animals were treated for parvovirus, the occupants ignored the instructions.
“The Animal Services team worked quickly to respond to the alleged case and partnered with the Sheriff's Office for the investigation as quickly as possible once the severity of the situation was apparent,” Jerry Ramos, Forsyth County Community & Animal Safety Director said.
In the months that followed, two more puppies died due to parvovirus in December 2023, and two additional puppies were found sick in January. Animal Services responded on January 11, discovering a deceased dog on the front porch, likely another parvovirus casualty. Another sick dog was seized from inside the home.
A search warrant executed on January 12, revealed deplorable conditions within the residence. The home, the office said, was "in extreme filth, with trash, feces, and urine" throughout.
Dogs were found in cages without water, as the residence lacked running water. During the operation, a total of 12 dogs and two bearded dragons were rescued and are now receiving medical treatment at the Forsyth County Pet Resource Center.
"We feel that the reason we were able to rescue as many animals as we did was because of the great partnership between Animal Services, the Pet Resource Center and the Sheriff’s Office," Ramos said.
Detectives said later that two residents had adopted animals via Facebook despite multiple warnings about the dangers of parvovirus. The residents, fully aware of the contagious nature of the disease, intentionally failed to provide sanitary conditions and medical treatment, resulting in the deaths of five animals.
Arrest warrants were obtained for the individuals who have been taken into custody charged with two or more counts of cruelty to animals and transported to the Forsyth County Jail. Additionally, animal control seized the two puppies adopted over the weekend, along with a cat.
