Michael Hollingsworth

Name:
Hollingsworth, Michael Dubois

Date of Booking:
03/14/2025

Reason(s) For Booking:
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.]

On January 13, 2025, at approximately 1100 hours, E911 received a report of animal cruelty. ACO Galeazzo and I responded to the residence located at [3000 BLOCK] Somerset Drive to investigate. Upon arrival, I knocked on the door, and a black male emerged. I identified myself and explained the purpose of my visit, which was to check on the welfare of the animal in the backyard. The individual consented to a welfare check but mentioned that we would need to enter through the house, as the gate was inoperable.

We proceeded through the house and into the backyard. After walking approximately 20 to 25 feet, we observed a severely emaciated brown and white pit bull. My initial assessment of the dog’s condition, based on the Purina Body Condition Score (1-9 scale), placed it at a 1, which was confirmed upon further examination by [REDACTED], a veterinary technician in training.

There was no food present in the yard, but a five-gallon bucket with approximately two inches of water was found. However, the water was inaccessible to the animal. The dog was tethered to a chain with a padlock. Additionally, I observed several cuts and abrasions on the animal.

I contacted the male inside the house and inquired about the dog’s owner. He identified the dog as belonging to his aunt’s boyfriend, Michael Hollingsworth. The male then called Hollingsworth, and I spoke with him on speakerphone. I identified myself and explained the reason for my call. Hollingsworth acknowledged that he was aware the dog was sick and stated that Animal Control had returned the dog to him with medication. He indicated this occurred “a few months ago.” I confirmed with BCAS (Bibb County Animal Services) that the last assistance provided to the dog was in 2023, and the dog currently on the property was not the same animal as the one involved in the previous case.

[REDACTED], during her cruelty examination, observed significant muscle atrophy across the dog’s body, with the skeletal system clearly visible through the skin. She also noted signs of dehydration and numerous wounds on the animal. The dog is currently undergoing treatment at our facility.

Based on the facts of the case and the condition of the animal, it is evident that the animal suffered from neglect and was not maintained according to proper care standards for its breed and size, as demonstrated by the severe muscle loss. I will be seeking a warrant for Animal Cruelty charges against Michael Hollingsworth.

[End of Narrative]