House Tour Uncovers Animal Cruelty
LAFAYETTE, GA (WDEF) – A disturbing discovery during a house tour leads to serious animal cruelty charges in Walker County. 5 people are now facing over 80 counts after authorities found dozens of animals living and dying in vile conditions.
It started as a typical day for a couple house hunting on Highway 151 in Walker County.
But when they stepped inside a home for sale, what they found was anything but typical.
The couple flagged down a nearby animal control officer, reporting what they described as horrific conditions: dozens of dogs and cats, some dead, and even a ferret lying lifeless inside a crate.
Walker County Animal Control, assisted by a sheriff’s deputy, responded to the home and made a grisly discovery.
Outside, they found a dead ferret, a decomposing bunny, and two goats locked in crates, all deceased.
After obtaining a search warrant, officers entered the home and were hit with the overwhelming stench of urine-soaked carpet, caked feces, rotting food, and insects everywhere.
In total, 22 animals were rescued: nine dogs, four cats, two horses, two goats, two donkeys, a sheep, and a pony.
Four animals remain on a court hold, but the rest are now safe either at the Walker County Animal Shelter or with a livestock rescue.
The home has since been condemned.
Now, James Delbert Fields, Miriam Fields, Britni Fields, Marion Lopez, and Melodie Lopez, all ranging in age from 20 to 78, each face 13 counts of animal cruelty and three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
If you’re interested in giving one of those rescued pets a second chance, the Walker County Animal Shelter says adoption applications are now open, and the shelter is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 4.
