A Walker County couple is facing animal cruelty charges in a case involving nearly 100 animals at their home near Chickamauga, Georgia.
Patricia Bryant, 57, and Jerry Bryant, 72, face two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, numerous counts of misdemeanor animal cruelty, as well as misdemeanor obstruction of a law enforcement officer, according to a news release from Walker County.
The case started with complaints of a foul odor and unsecured animals on the Bryants’ property, leading to a wellness check by Walker County Animal Services, the news release said. On that call, officers observed crated animals in unsanitary conditions and noticed a strong scent of ammonia.
“The results of the wellness check led to an inspection warrant being issued today to search the property for any animal related issues,” Joe Legge, county spokesperson, said in the news release. “During the search, animal control officers, along with deputies from the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, found the remains of two animals and several dogs in need of emergency veterinary care.”
Contributed Photo / Photographed on Wednesday, Walker County government officials gear up in breathing equipment due to a strong odor during the investigation of an alleged animal cruelty case near Chickamauga, Ga.A search warrant followed, and officers entered the 1,300-square-foot home at 454 Old LaFayette Road. Inside, officers found numerous dogs, as well as the remains of four more animals, the release said.
Multiple dogs, pigs, rabbits and chickens were found on the property as well, the release said.
Janice Williams, a resident of Rossville, Georgia, said she just got back from the site of the alleged animal cruelty case, and she credited a new county employee hired from Humane Education Society of Hamilton County.
“We have been reporting her for about six years,” Williams said about the accused in a text message. “It wasn’t until Bailey Clements was hired into our county from HES that things are finally getting done! That place has been a nightmare for a very long time. I have been inside. And her next door neighbor has been submitting videos and reporting her, and the county wouldn’t do anything.”
Wednesday’s action was a win for the county’s animals, Williams said, adding that it’s unfortunate the animals at the alleged cruelty site had to suffer for so long.
The odor inside the home required officers to wear breathing equipment to process the animals, the release said. Fans were also set up in the house to help with the smell.
As of 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, nearly 80 dogs had been removed from the house — with many more to be processed, the release said.
Assisting Walker County officials were representatives from the Humane Education Society of Hamilton County and McKamey Animal Center in Chattanooga. Representatives from the Bradley County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals were also involved, according to the release.
Contact Andrew Wilkins at awilkins@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.