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Written by: E. George
Published January 28, 2025 @ 4:40 PM ET
Warning: The following report describes alleged violence against/neglect of animals.
PIERCE COUNTY, Ga. – A joint effort involving the Georgia Department of Agriculture and multiple animal rescue agencies, including Coastal Pet Rescue, K9 Battle Buddies, Renegade Paws Rescue, Allmon’s All About Animals, Atlanta Humane Society, Humane Society of Greater Savannah, and Liberty County Animal Services resulted in the rescue of over 130 dogs from a Pierce County kennel.
Thanks to the joint operation, all 136 dogs were transported to safety and received medical attention; however, most were severely neglected and injured. The canines consisted of Australian Shepherds, Boston Terriers, Chihuahuas, Dachshunds, Maltese, Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Shih Tzus, and Yorkshire Terriers. Officials noted the suspects were not “backyard breeders.”
Savannah received over 50 of the dogs.
The investigation, which uncovered multiple violations, began when the Department of Agriculture received a report of animal abuse and neglect at a local kennel.
Renegade Paws Rescue stated, “The dogs had teeth rotting out of their jaws, open sores on their paws, furry coats that were painfully matted, along with water bowls filled with feces and mold & small pens with no shelter or cover. While dogs lived in abject filth, their breeders lived large. A manicured lawn juxtaposed with the urine-soaked coats of sick dogs bred who lived their whole lives for the financial gain of humans.”
The rescue organization disclosed, “Dogs advertised with bows and frills actually lived in sheds that brought our volunteers to their knees, gagging from the overwhelming smell of waste.” Officials said photographs of the property were too disturbing to release to the public.
A Renegade Paws Rescue spokesperson said, “These dogs are not in good shape. They have been subject to neglect for perhaps decades. One dog is missing part of its jaw, and another has mammary masses. Many are heartworm positive.
All must be spayed and neutered and will need expensive dental care. After they came into safety, multiple mother dogs gave birth. Each of these dogs will likely cost hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars to become healthy again. If they can even be made healthy.”
They added that many of “the dogs are now in foster homes. We spent hours bathing them. And then hours bathing ourselves. The smell of rot and waste is one that doesn’t wash off easily. They didn’t deserve to be bred until their teeth rotted out of their jaws. They deserve to be loved.”
Agricultural Commissioner Tyler Harper stated, “I am incredibly proud of the work our Law Enforcement team did to remove these dogs and address this situation. Our Law Enforcement Division is working every day to send a clear message that crime in Georgia’s agricultural sector – from animal abuse to drug and labor trafficking and everything in between – will not be tolerated, and our Companion Animal & Equine team works diligently each day to ensure our state’s companion animals and equine are properly cared for. Our teams will continue to build on the partnership we have and the work we’ve done with the Georgia Statewide Animal Crimes Prosecutor to ensure those who commit crimes in the agricultural sector are held accountable.”
Officials are collaborating to help find foster and forever homes for the pets. Anyone interested in helping by donating, fostering, or adopting can contact any of the listed agencies or bring donations and items in person.
Renegade Paws Rescue posted, “Over the weekend, our assistance was requested to help relocate a large number of dogs in a very short amount of time. While we cannot disclose all the details at this time, we are pleading on behalf of these souls for your help.
These dogs could barely be recognized from the overgrowth of fur, not to mention the stench. In addition to getting vaccines for probably the first time, along with spays and neuters, they are all going to need dentals to clean up rotted teeth and infections. This is going to be a rather extensive vet bill for each of them.”
The agency expressed, “Please consider a $5 donation towards their care, either through this link, through our Venmo coastalpetrescue, CashApp $coastalpetrescue, PayPal donations@coastalpetrescue.org, or by check to us at 7430 Thomas Ave, Savannah, GA 31406.”
Police have yet to release information regarding possible arrests and charges for those involved.