AnimalsRescueCrueltyRossvilleNeglectSheriffVeterinarianCharges
ROSSVILLE, Ga. — More than a dozen animals are now recovering and their owners in Rossville face several charges after the animals were found to be in bad shape.
This all started with a welfare check on some horses at a home on Manor Lane, according to a release from Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson.
Photo: Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
Animal control officers were told several horses on the property were looking malnourished. Sheriff Wilson’s release says
During their investigation, they determined multiple animals on the property were emaciated and were not provided with enough feed to sustain a healthy body weight. In addition to deteriorating muscle mass, some of the animals were missing fur, had open leg wounds and inflamed skin.
The release says a veterinarian who visited the property to evaluate the animals determined some were in pain and the conditions they were suffering from were due to neglect.
The veterinarian did not believe the owners had been malicious, but had failed to provide the proper upkeep required of livestock, according to Sheriff Wilson.
Photo: Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers arrested 47-year old Raul Rodriguez and charged him with 12 counts of cruelty to animals, and also arrested 56-year old Belinda Rodriguez and charged her with 11-counts of cruelty to animals
After the owners agreed to surrender their animals to the county, Sheriff Wilson says officers removed four horses, three donkeys, two mini-horses, two pigs, one rabbit and multiple chickens and goats.
The animals that were in the most severe condition were sent to TMMA Farms & Sanctuary in Trion for treatment, while the others were placed with a livestock rescue.
