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Written by: E. George
Published November 1, 2024 @ 4:30 PM ET
Warning: The following report describes alleged violence against/neglect of animals.
BIBB COUNTY, Ga. – While serving an eviction at a Macon apartment on August 8, 2024, authorities discovered an emaciated dog locked in a small closet, covered in urine and feces with no water or edible food. The canine was rescued and transported to Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare for examination and treatment, and the resident was charged with aggravated animal cruelty.
Bibb County Sheriff’s deputies met with a Civil Sheriff deputy and an animal enforcement officer at the residence and observed the dire circumstances. The closet had a strong odor of urine, measured approximately two feet by three feet, and was “completely covered in feces.”
They saw feces on the interior walls and the inside of the door, as well as “rotted potato fries” and old, inedible dog food on the floor.
A veterinary exam determined that the canine was about four months old and 14 pounds underweight for its breed and size. The dog suffered urine burns on its paws and stomach and open sores on its legs “due to long-term neglect.”
The emaciated canine had a visible skeletal structure and “pale, sticky gums due to malnutrition.” The dog failed a turgor test to determine proper hydration.
Photographs were taken and submitted as evidence. The dog was bathed, given water, and placed in a kennel at the shelter.
The resident, Lalesha Shanika West, claimed that “it was not [her] responsibility to care for” the dog because the pet belonged to her son. One of the deputies informed her that she “was indeed responsible for the dog since she lived in the apartment and was aware of the animal inside the closet.”
This case is pending in court.
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 August 8th 2024 at 1235 PM MySelf and Galeazzo were called to [1100 BLOCK] Edna Place, Apartment [REDACTED], in reference to an animal complaint. Upon arrival, we met with Civil Sheriff Deputy Jeff Pettis. Deputy Pettis advised that during an eviction, he discovered a canine inside a closet who was covered in urine and feces.
I inspected the closet where the dog was living and found the animal surrounded by feces, inedible food, and no water. I made contact with the suspect, Lalesha West. She stated that the dog belonged to her son and that it was not her responsibility to care for it. I then explained to West that she was indeed responsible for the dog since she lived in the apartment and was aware of the animal inside the closet.
Animal Enforcement Officer Galeazzo took photographs of the dog inside the closet. The closet was approximately two feet wide by three feet long, completely covered in feces, and had a strong smell of urine. The interior walls, including the inside of the door, had feces. On the floor were rotted potato fries and old dog food that was not edible. The dog was removed and taken to Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare for examination.
[REDACTED], who is currently a veterinarian’s assistant for Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare, performed an evaluation at the shelter. The conclusion of the exam was as follows:
The dog is approximately four months old.
The dog’s feet were splayed with urine burns due to long-term neglect.
The dog had open sores on its legs as well as urine burns on its paws and stomach.
The dog was emaciated with visible skeletal structure.
The animal smelled of feces and urine due to long-term exposure to these substances.
The animal failed a turgor test to determine proper hydration.
The dog had pale, sticky gums due to malnutrition.
The dog was fourteen pounds underweight for its breed and size.
I took photographs of the dog during her exam. The animal was bathed, given water, and housed in a kennel at Macon-Bibb County Animal Welfare’s shelter. Due to the condition of the animal and the circumstances, I will be issuing an arrest warrant for Lalesha West for aggravated animal cruelty.
[End of Narrative]