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Name:
Okwu, Arinzechukwu Charles
Date of Booking:
03/17/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
Animal Enforcement received a complaint of possible animal cruelty at the listed address. The complaint originated from a pest control employee who reported to the apartment manager that he observed a small tan dog inside the unit that appeared extremely thin and unable to use its back legs.
Initial Response
Manager [REDACTED] and I responded to the location. Upon arrival on the top floor, we observed an empty dog-food bag and an empty food bowl on the back deck of the apartment.
I knocked on the door, and a male, identified as Mr. Arinze Okwu, answered. I identified myself and Manager [REDACTED], explained the nature of the complaint, and asked if he owned an animal. He confirmed that he did and agreed to let us see it.
Observation of the Animal
Mr. Okwu retrieved a severely emaciated tan bulldog-mix puppy. The dog demonstrated a Body Condition Score of 1/9 on the Purina scale. The animal was unable to stand or walk and remained lying on the floor during the interaction. The dog appeared fearful, in pain, and extremely weak.
Statements from Owner
When asked how the animal reached this condition, Mr. Okwu stated that the dog fell down a hill while he was exercising it near a church. He stated he had owned the dog for its entire life.
When asked what food he provided, he stated he fed Purina Pro Plan; however, the empty food bag observed on the deck was Alpo brand.
Regarding veterinary care, Mr. Okwu claimed he contacted a friend who was a veterinarian in Alabama but refused to provide the individual’s name.
Animal Intake and Examination
The animal was impounded and transported to BCAS for intake and treatment. Present for the exam were myself, ACE Manager [REDACTED], and CVA [REDACTED].
Findings during the initial BCAS examination included:
Severe dehydration (CRT > 6 seconds)
Body Condition Score 1/9 with no fat or muscle tone
Entire skeletal structure visible through the skin
Multiple skin lesions and a bacterial infection on the abdomen
Immediate, rapid consumption of food and water when offered, indicating prolonged lack of access
Veterinary Evaluation at Auburn University
Due to concerns regarding hind-limb function and potential internal injuries, the dog—identified as Obi—was transferred via rescue to Auburn University.
Dr. [REDACTED], Auburn University, conducted X-rays and a full medical evaluation. Findings included:
A fractured elbow and leg preventing use of the limb
Multiple lesions across the body
Fractures consistent with blunt-force trauma, estimated to be approximately two weeks old
An older pelvic injury that had healed improperly, with significant tissue thickening
Injuries determined to have occurred on multiple occasions
Additional Relevant Investigative Information
During the course of the investigation, I reviewed information regarding Mr. Okwu’s background and verified that he possesses college-level education in fields related to healthcare and human body function. Based on this training, Mr. Okwu knew or reasonably should have known that the dog’s condition—including extreme weight loss, dehydration, inability to walk, and visible injuries—required immediate veterinary care.
Conclusion
Mr. Arinze Okwu had care and custody of canine Obi and failed to seek necessary veterinary treatment for multiple serious injuries and medical conditions. The dog endured prolonged and unnecessary pain and suffering for several weeks without medical intervention and was unable to use its rear leg.
Based on veterinary findings and my observations during intake, I will be seeking warrants for Aggravated Animal Cruelty.
Obi is currently under the care of a rescue organization, placed on 30 days of kennel rest, and receiving prescribed pain management and treatment.
[End of Narrative]
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