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Written by: A. Smith
Published October 20, 2025 @ 10:44 AM ET
BULLOCH COUNTY, Ga. – Authorities in Bulloch County say more than 50 animals were rescued Tuesday from what they described as “deplorable” conditions inside a Statesboro home, where investigators also found one dead dog.
Deputies with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office arrested 70-year-old Debra Jo Green and 71-year-old Kenneth Mark Berrin. Both face felony counts of cruelty to animals and are being held at the Bulloch County Jail.
The investigation began after community complaints about possible neglect and mistreatment at the home. Deputies obtained a search warrant and entered the residence on Oct. 14, where they found dozens of dogs and cats living among piles of feces and urine.
“The conditions in this residence are very deplorable,” Capt. Todd Hutchens with the Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office said. “Every room in the house is scattered and spread with dog feces and urine. The ammonia smell is just outrageous.”
Deputies, along with representatives from the Atlanta Humane Society and the Bulloch County Animal Shelter, spent much of the day rescuing the animals and conducting medical evaluations. Hutchens said some of the animals appeared to have been physically abused, while others showed signs of neglect, including lack of food and water.
“One dog was found deceased inside the home,” Hutchens said. “This is an ongoing situation, and we will probably be here on scene for most of the day.”
Officials said many of the rescued animals are being transported to the Atlanta Humane Society for treatment and care. The District Attorney’s Office will determine how many individual charges Green and Berrin will ultimately face.