Nearly 300 dogs impounded as evidence; owners booked on multiple charges of cruelty
UPDATE: Rescue groups need help! Click here for news and how you can help.Click here to read about the case in Seale, GA that broke two weeks ago.
Animal Control officers in Jackson County, Georgia seized 300 dogs on February 28 from L&D Farm and Kennel, a commercial breeding facility in the Nicholson area. According to a report in the
Athens Banner-Herald, Jennifer Marie Hughes, 34; Brandy Shree Stone, 25; Marie Hughes; and Ronnie Hughes, were each arraigned on five felony and 55 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Authorities are trying to persuade owner Marie Hughes to relinquish ownership of the dogs voluntarily, but will pursue legal means to compel her to do so if she refuses. In the meantime, the dogs are being held as evidence against the defendants.
Pictured above: Jennifer Marie Hughes (L) and Brandy Shree Stone.
County officials first saw the conditions at the facility on February 21, after they had been alerted by a former employee. Animal Control officers and agents of the Georgia Department of Agriculture reported observing a dead dog in a cage and many malnourished dogs.
It was first decided that the dogs would stay in place under the supervision of Animal Control, but attorneys for Jackson County recommended that the dogs be removed from the property. Jackson County Manager Darrell Hammond concurred with the decision to remove them, saying it was in the best interest of the dogs. So far, 296 dogs are accounted for. However, Hammond said, "But I couldn't tell you exactly how many there are. There are still pregnant dogs out there and so, well, you know how they do."
The delay in seizing the dogs and arresting the owners owed to lack of space for impounded animals. Kelli Ohrtman, Best Friends Campaign Specialist says, “One obstacle that state and local officials face when they discover a large kennel with signs of neglect or cruelty is what to do with hundreds of dogs if they do find cause to seize or remove animals from a breeder.”
Fortunately, in this case, the problem was solved with the cooperation of several animal shelters in Northeast Georgia. Ohrtman adds, “Jackson County doesn’t have an animal shelter. If the community’s private, nonprofit shelters and rescue groups hadn’t stepped in to offer their help, this case probably wouldn’t have been possible.”
How you can helpBecause there is a continuing investigation into the case, and the Hughes’ animals have not been relinquished or forfeited, at this point they cannot be adopted into new homes. We will provide updates when available as to how people can assist the groups now responsible for the care of these 300 animals who desperately need it.
By Ann Anderson: Best Friends Network volunteerMain photo: Precious (not involved in the criminal case) available for adoption from Forgotten K9’s in Nicholson, GA.