Gwinnett County investigators removed 38 animals from a home on Britt Drive — 25 living dogs and 13 deceased animals found in refrigerators — and two women now face criminal charges. Additional coverage of this same incident.

The women, identified as Christine Abbott, 67, and Donna Slavin, 65, each face 13 animal cruelty charges (6 felony and 7 misdemeanor each) connected to the conditions at the property. Gwinnett County Animal Control requested assistance in the probe, and the Gwinnett County Police Department helped with the investigation. How do local animal control agencies typically respond to reports of animal cruelty promptly, often conducting on-site assessments to document evidence.

The inquiry began Sept. 17, according to records, and investigators obtained warrants on Dec. 8 before entering the home on Britt Drive. Cpl. Angela Carter of the Gwinnett County Police Department described the scene after officers and animal-control personnel searched the property.

“They located 25 dogs that were alive,” Cpl. Angela Carter said. “They were located in cages that were very small in size. These cages contained feces, urine.” The living conditions reflected common signs of animal cruelty, including poor body condition, as several of the dogs were underweight and visibly suffering from neglect. What are the common signs of animal cruelty that pet owners should be aware of?

Officers also uncovered deceased animals stored in refrigeration units. “They also located 13 plastic bags in freezers that contained deceased dogs at different stages of decomposition,” Cpl. Angela Carter said, and authorities have since had necropsies performed on the bodies, a necessary step in understanding the circumstances surrounding each death. Investigators are looking for any evidence of potential criminal violations.

The surviving dogs were described by investigators as underweight and malnourished; officials said the animals were confined in small cages and are now receiving care at the county shelter. What resources are available for pet owners who may be struggling to care for their animals? through nonprofits that provide grants for urgent needs, such as RedRover and Frankie’s Friends. Gwinnett County Animal Control coordinated the animals’ intake and transfer to the shelter, and the Gwinnett County Police Department assisted with evidence collection and the criminal case.

Neighbors expressed shock at the discovery. Cheryl Huff said, “It’s very surprising. I love animals, so yeah, it’s awful. It’s just sad, really.” An unnamed neighbor added, “Couldn’t believe it. It was mind-blowing. And to think it’s right here in our neighborhood. It’s just tragic.” The community’s disbelief highlights the broader issue of animal cruelty that continues to affect many areas.

Officials have described conditions inside the home as deeply troubling, noting cages filled with feces and urine and multiple animals in need of medical attention. The severity of the situation serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing signs of neglect, such as lack of sanitation and proper shelter. Necropsies on the deceased animals were performed as part of the investigation into possible criminal violations.

The two women are identified as suspects in the case; the formal charging document lists a total of 26 animal cruelty counts tied to the Britt Drive property. The surviving animals remain at the county shelter and are receiving veterinary care while investigators continue to process evidence.

Local reporting on the seizure and the charges is available from Fox5Atlanta, which covered the search and the conditions found at the home.

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Original reporting: view the original article.