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Written by: A. Smith
Published May 2, 2025 @ 10:30 AM ET
WALKER COUNTY, Ga. – Five people from the same extended family are facing a total of 80 charges after authorities discovered dead and neglected animals living in what officials described as “atrocious” conditions inside a Walker County home listed for sale.
James Delbert Fields Jr., 78; Miriam Fields, 65; Mario Lopez, 42; Melodie Lopez, 40; and Britni Fields, 20, were each charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty and three counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
The case began when a couple touring the home on Highway 151 with their real estate agent spotted signs of neglect and flagged down a nearby Walker County Animal Control officer. Officers responding to the property initially found a dead ferret inside a cage, along with a decomposing rabbit and two dead goats outside.
Authorities obtained a search warrant and returned to the home, where they found highly unsanitary conditions throughout, including carpets saturated with urine, feces covering several rooms, rotting food, and a widespread insect infestation.
Investigators ultimately rescued more than 20 live animals, including nine dogs, four cats, two horses, two goats, two donkeys, a sheep, and a pony. Four of the animals remain on court hold, while the remaining dogs and cats have been made available for adoption at the Walker County Animal Shelter. The livestock have been placed with a rescue organization.
County officials have condemned the property, which had been on the market for $275,000.