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Written by: E. George
Published November 8, 2024 @ 2:05 PM ET
Warning: The following report describes alleged violence against/neglect of animals.
SPALDING COUNTY, Ga. – A 40-year-old man is facing aggravated animal cruelty charges after a Griffin Police officer discovered a “completely malnourished” dog in dire conditions on August 9, 2024. The officer noted that the canine was chained to a fence with no food or water, and the chain had rubbed off the dog’s skin and flesh, exposing vertebrae underneath.
Rodney Montez Smith and his mother denied ownership, with his mother saying the dog belonged to Smith and Smith claiming his friend was the owner. He said he agreed to watch the canine until his friend found a home and that “the dog had been in this condition for only approximately three weeks.”
The officer described the chain as embedded into the dog’s neck area, “and what was left of the skin as well as the flesh was attempting to grow over the chain.” Every bone could be seen, and “hemorrhoids [hung] from its anal glands.”
An animal control officer arrived, and Smith stated that the chain had been placed on the dog four months prior.
The police officer arrested Smith and transported him to the Spalding County Jail.
Griffin Fire Department personnel cut the chain attached to the dog, and animal control took custody. This case is pending.
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 8/9/24 at 0332 hours I was searching the area of [300 BLOCK] E Tinsley St in reference to an incident that occurred prior this discovery (see case # 24-005401). While searching the rear of the residence I discovered a completely malnourished white in color dog which was chained to a fence, with no water, nor food.
Further investigation I discovered the chain containing the dog to have rubbed not only the skin, but most of its flesh completely off which showed parts of the dogs vertebrae. With closer inspection the chain was becoming imbedded into the dogs neck area and what was left of the skin as well as the flesh was attempting to grow over the chain.
The dog also was showing severe signs of malnourished, with every bone of its body being broadcasted. I then noticed what appeared to be hemorrhoids hanging from its anal glands.
With no indication of care for the well being of the dog, I then began to knock on the door of [300 BLOCK] E Tinsley St. Involved other / [WITNESS #1] eventually answered and I began speaking with her of the dog.
[WITNESS #1] advised the dog did not belong to her but to her son, offender / Smith, Rodney. [WITNESS #1] stated Smith was in fact home at this residence and she would wake him from his sleep to come speak with me. Shortly after Smith approached and I began speaking with him about the dog.
Smith advised the dog did not belong to him but it belonged to a friend named “[REDACTED]” (unknown real name / DOB). Smith stated [REDACTED] contacted him and asked if he would watch the dog until he was able to relocate it. Smith advised he has been trying to get [REDACTED] to retrieve the dog but [REDACTED] still has not returned to claim it.
When asked Smith could not provide further information on [REDACTED] nor provide evidence that he has been communicating with [REDACTED] in reference to the dog. During the questioning of the dogs health conditions, Smith informed me the dog had been in this condition for only approximately 3 weeks.
I then requested Griffin Animal Control and shortly after Ofc. Tyrone 2553 arrived on scene. Ofc. Tyrone then began asking Smith questions about the dogs conditions and Smith informed Ofc. Tyrone the dog had been placed on the chain approximately 4 months prior this date.
Due to the extent of the dogs health conditions, [WITNESS #1]’s admission of the dog belonging to Smith, along with conflicting stories from Smith, as well as Smith’s admission for being the caregiver for the dog, I then placed Smith into custody (double- lock mechanism applied).
Smith was placed in the rear of my assigned patrol vehicle which was checked prior the beginning of my shift for any weapons / drugs. Smith was transported to Spalding County Sheriff’s Office Jail facility using the safest most direct route possible. Once arriving at SCSO my departmental issued weapons was placed in the rear trunk of my vehicle. Smith along with all required documentation was then turned over to SCSO jail staff.
Pictures of the scene was taken by Ofc. Tyrone and placed into Griffin Police Department Photo album. Warrants was taken on Smith. After Griffin Fire Department was able to cut the chain that was attached to the dog, Ofc. Tyrone took possession of the dog.
[End of Narrative]