Two people arrested, more than 100 animals removed from property in Walker County hoarding case

Two people have been arrested in connection with an animal hoarding case in Walker County, Georgia.

Dee Darren Decker, 76, has been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals after a dead cat was found at his home on South Dick Creek Road last week. Decker’s bond was set at $5,000, according to a news release from the Walker County government.

Decker’s wife Kathryn Marie, 70, has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty and willful obstruction of a law enforcement officer.

On Aug. 9, Walker County Animal Services attempted to inspect the property for malnourished animals, but Kathryn Decker allegedly refused to allow officials on the property, the release said.

After authorities obtained an inspection warrant to access the property, they found dogs chained to trees, animal feces inside the couple’s primary residence and dozens of cats stacked in crates, including the one that was dead, during an inspection of the property on a welfare check, according to the release.

Authorities claimed Dee Decker enabled his wife by paying for all of the food for the animals and had a disregard for the living conditions of the animals, which the couple also resided in, according to the release.

More than 100 cats and three dogs were removed from the property by shelter staff and a team from Atlanta Humane Society. The animals were relocated to the Walker County Animal Shelter and a temporary shelter site pending court proceedings, the release states.

A staff veterinarian with the Atlanta Humane Society team assessed the physical condition of the animals and found more than half of them needed care for conditions ranging from fleas and ear mites to malnourishment and upper respiratory conditions, according to the release.

An investigation is ongoing.

— Compiled by Kim Sebring