ALPHARETTA, Ga. — A Fulton County woman is facing two dozen animal cruelty charges after police say they rescued 24 animals from a home in Alpharetta.
Investigators said it was so filthy, officers treated it like a hazardous scene, Channel 2’s Michael Seiden learned.
The Fulton County Police Department’s Animal Services Unit responded to the home on Compass Pointe Crossing earlier this month after the property owner reported concerns about possible animal hoarding.
When officers arrived, they say they could smell urine and feces before even stepping inside.
“We geared up with PPE gear and some officers wore face masks, because through the windows, we could see that the floors were covered and that this was going to be a hazmat situation,” said Major Nicole Dwyer, who leads the department’s Animal Services Unit. “As soon as the door opened, we were just hit in the face with the smell of urine and feces, and we could see that the entire house was covered in feces.”
Police obtained a search warrant and entered the home, where they say conditions were even worse than expected.
“There were cats in cupboards, there were dogs in one of the rooms on the middle floor where the door was closed, and that entire bathroom was covered in trash,” Dwyer said. “We could not even see the floor — and then feces on the bed, feces all over the floor, everywhere.”
Investigators say they found 17 dogs and seven cats roaming freely inside the home, living in what they described as unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
According to police, many of the animals were suffering from neglect, including infections, hair loss and severe matting.
“Their paws were so matted with feces they could barely stand,” Dwyer said.
Police identified the tenant as Diane Dodgen. Investigators say she told them she was overwhelmed and struggling to keep up after suffering a stroke.
However, authorities say the conditions did not happen overnight.
“This has been going on for at least eight months,” Dwyer said.
Channel 2 Action News stopped by the home Monday but was unable to reach Dodgen for comment.
Police say Dodgen was arrested and charged with 24 counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty. She is also facing eviction, according to investigators.
During the investigation, police learned Dodgen’s daughter had also been living in the home but recently moved out.
The animals have been taken into county care, where they are receiving treatment and evaluation. Officials say they could eventually be placed up for adoption.
Investigators say the case should serve as a reminder to pet owners.
If someone becomes overwhelmed and can no longer care for their animals, officials say Fulton County Animal Services can help find them a new home.
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