80 animals rescued, 2 people charged in Georgia cruelty case

ATLANTA — Deputies arrested two people on Tuesday after they found dozens of neglected animals from a house in south Georgia.

Several rescue groups are now caring for about 80 animals that were found in filthy and dangerous conditions.

The Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant following reports of extreme neglect and cruelty. Deputies arrested Debra Jo Green and Kenneth Mark Berrin on felony animal cruelty charges.

Deputies said animals were found in nearly every room of the home. Some were found locked in small crates with no access to food or water. Others were confined to dark bathrooms or rooms without light. The home’s floors were covered in feces and urine.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Five animals were found dead on the property. Several other animals were suffering from a range of serious medical issues, including open wounds from fighting, eye and dental disease, and severe skin infections.

Of the animals seized, many were French bulldogs and Pekingeses. Two Persian cats were also rescued.

The Atlanta Humane Society is taking in more than 30 of the animals. They’ll be evaluated, given medical treatment, and eventually, be fostered.

Other agencies that will care for the rescued animals include the Bulloch County Humane Enforcement Division and the Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia.