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Name:
Hutchings, Kyaira A
Date of Booking:
04/21/2026
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 Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at approximately 1325 hours, I, Officer Gravitt, responded in a non-emergency mode to [100 BLOCK] W. Tinsley St., located within the City of Griffin, Spalding County, Georgia, in reference to an animal cruelty allegation.
Upon arrival, I made contact with Kevin Huggins with the City of Griffin Code Enforcement. Huggins advised he had received a complaint regarding a puppy lying in the rear of the residence in poor condition. I then walked to the rear of the residence and observed a small puppy, approximately one month old, that appeared to be severely neglected. The puppy was extremely dehydrated and malnourished; its ribs were visibly protruding, and it was unable to stand or walk on its own.
While on scene, I did not observe any bowls or containers for food or water. I then made contact with the resident of [100 BLOCK] W. Tinsley St., who was identified as Kyaira Hutchings. Hutchings contacted me via phone and advised she was at work but would return to the residence.
Upon Hutchings’ arrival, she stated she had found the dog sometime during the previous week but could not provide an exact date. Hutchings advised she had been providing the dog with food and water. She further stated the dog typically stays inside and was inside the residence when she left at approximately 0500 hours. She indicated that her fiancé must have put the dog outside.
Hutchings identified her fiancé as Dianta Souder and stated he was not home at the time but was in Douglasville attending a physical therapy appointment. Huggins made contact with Souder via telephone. Souder advised that the dog stays outside and comes and goes as it pleases.
Based on the totality of the circumstances-including the dog’s physical condition, lack of access to food and water, and the parties’ admission of having possession of the dog for approximately one week-I consulted with a judge, who advised there was probable cause to charge both Hutchings and Souder with Cruelty to Animals under O.C.G.A. 16-12-4.
Huggins took custody of the dog and photographed it. The dog was transported by Huggins, who later advised that at approximately 1600 hours, the dog was diagnosed with a brain disease and had to be euthanized. Photographs of the puppy were uploaded into “Patrol Pics” under the corresponding case number.
Hutchings was placed under arrest and secured in handcuffs, which were checked for proper fit and double-locked. She was then placed in the rear of my marked patrol vehicle and transported to the Spalding County Jail for processing.
Souder was advised that an active warrant had been issued for his arrest. Due to his location in Douglasville, he was instructed to turn himself in.
I obtained warrants for both Hutchings and Souder for Cruelty to Animals under O.C.G.A. 16-12-4.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
4/23/26
FIRST APPEARANCE HEARING — KYAIRA A HUTCHINGS
What this means: Kyaira A Hutchings appeared before Judge Adam Grubbs of the Magistrate Court of Spalding County following her arrest. At this hearing, the judge reviewed the charge against her — Cruelty to Animals (Warrant No. 26-EW-002858) — and set her bond at $4,500. The case was designated to be answered in the State Court of Spalding County. The arresting officer listed on the document is Ptl. Ryan Gravitt. A first appearance hearing is typically one of the first steps after an arrest, where a judge informs the defendant of the charges and decides whether to set bond and at what amount.
5/12/26
ACCUSATION FILED — KYAIRA A HUTCHINGS
What this means: The State Court of Spalding County formally filed a one-count accusation against Kyaira A Hutchings on May 12, 2026, under case numbers 26SR-0619 / 26FAH-0813. An accusation is the formal charging document used in State Court — it officially puts the charge on record and moves the case forward. Kyaira A Hutchings is charged with one count of Cruelty to Animals. The prosecuting witness listed is Ptl. Ryan Gravitt of the Griffin Police Department. The trial term is listed as March.
1/11/27
ARRAIGNMENT SCHEDULED — KYAIRA A HUTCHINGS
What this means: An arraignment has been scheduled for January 11, 2027, at 9:00 AM in the State Court of Spalding County in case numbers 26SR-0619 / 26FAH-0813. An arraignment is a formal court hearing where Kyaira A Hutchings will be asked to enter a plea — such as guilty, not guilty, or no contest — in response to the Cruelty to Animals charge filed against her.