Two face animal cruelty charges after incident near Rossville

ROSSVILLE, Ga. (WDEF) —  Two people are facing aggravated animal cruelty charges after their dogs reportedly charged at a realtor showing a home near Rossville.

The incident happened on Ridgeland Road, where a realtor called Walker County Animal Control to report several aggressive dogs from a nearby property.

The dogs were barking, growling, and charging at him.

Animal control officers responded to 349 Ridgeland Road and quickly noticed one of the dogs appeared injured and was struggling to walk.

Officer Tyler Bishop spoke with 43-year-old Tabitha Henley at the home.

She told the officer the dog had been hit by a car some time ago.

However, she admitted she never took the dog to a vet, as required by Georgia law.

Henley agreed to surrender the dog so it could get medical care.

X-rays later revealed the dog had a broken leg, and a veterinarian said the injury was likely several months old.

The vet also said the injury was extremely painful and that amputation was the most humane option.

Henley was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty.

A warrant has also been issued for her boyfriend, Richard Nealon, on the same charge.

If convicted, both could face up to five years in prison, a $15,000 fine, or both.