33 Dogs Taken by County Marshal from Residence in Stephens County

In Stephens County, more than 30 dogs living in neglectful conditions were removed from their owner’s care after being exposed to the elements.

Toccoa-Stephens County Humane Shelter Director Jeff Roberts said 33 medium and large-size dogs were removed from a residence on DeFoor Road after the owners voluntarily surrendered them.

“The owners were cooperative and were willing to surrender the animals to us,” he said. “In these kinds of situations, if they don’t cooperate we could end up having to hold the animals for a year or more as charges go through the court. So, it’s what’s in the best interest of the animals and that was up to the County Marshal.”

According to the shelter’s Facebook page, the animals were housed in sheds.  There were 10-12 dogs per building. The food was thrown in for them and most of them have scars from trying to get their share. When the doors were closed, the dogs were in total darkness.

“The dogs were in pretty good shape overall. There were a couple of issues but it’s not like the animals were starved or anything like that,” Roberts said.

He said it appeared the owners were not intentionally cruel or neglectful but because their circumstances had changed they were not able to properly care for the dogs.

“It’s more like a situation where they had a place for the animals. Then, they got evicted and then they didn’t have a good place for the animals. So, they got overwhelmed and they had the animals in situations that were less than ideal, but they were providing food and water but they didn’t have a proper space for the animals,” Roberts explained.

Roberts said the owners were not breeders, but it was a classic case of owners not spaying or neutering their dogs and they kept having puppies.

The dogs are now in the care of the Atlanta Humane Society, which Roberts said, is raising money for their veterinary care.

According to the Atlanta Humane Society Facebook page, initial medical exams show some of the dogs are suffering from heartworms, others have skin conditions, wounds, and more.

To see a video of the Toccoa-Stephens County dogs and puppies that were taken into care by the Atlanta Humane Society you can go to the Atlanta Humane Society Facebook page.

See video here.

All of the dogs are expected to be put up for adoption once they’ve been deemed healthy and have received the veterinary care they need.