ATHENS – An Athens couple was arrested on animal cruelty and neglect charges after police uncovered a “large-scale dog breeding operation” this week.
According to a news release, Athens Police Department executed a search warrant Monday to address an alleged commercial dog breeding operation on Lindsay Lane after receiving a call about an odor emanating from a residence.
Officer Paul Tucker responded to the initial call, finding numerous dogs living in squalid conditions without access to proper veterinary care, the release said.
“These were very bad living conditions for these animals to live in,” said Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell. “The Athens Police Department is committed to protecting all of the members of our community – including animals. This was a very bad situation, and we will continue to work to ensure that those responsible for any kind of animal abuse are held accountable.”
Police said the investigation led to a 75-year-old man and 73-year-old woman being charged with 38 counts each related to animal cruelty and neglect. Cruelty to animals is a misdemeanor crime.
The investigation revealed the couple had allegedly been operating the large-scale dog breeding operation for an extended period of time, police said. The couple turned themselves in to police today; their bond has been set at $38,000.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and offered no further comment.
With assistance from Dr. Elisabeth O’Connor and Dr. Jorge Acosta at the Limestone Veterinary Clinic, officers removed the dogs from the residence.
“This was a terrible situation that we do not tolerate here in our community. We took immediate steps to remedy this situation,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks. “We are so proud of the work that has been done by both the Athens Police Department and the Limestone Veterinary Clinic here in Athens.”
The police department thanked the veterinary clinic for working to prepare each dog to be rescued by foster families.
According to O’Connor, the dogs will not be ready to be adopted until next week. To apply to adopt a dog, visit www.alanimalservices.com.
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