after nearly 40 dogs were found dead or malnourished at their home in the 1900 block of Britt Drive outside Snellville.

The discovery prompted a criminal investigation that led to the arrests Tuesday of Christine Abbott, 67, and Donna Slavin, 65, who face multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty and were booked into Gwinnett jail. Officers say the animals were living in severely unsanitary conditions according to common signs of neglect such as emaciation, untreated medical issues, and overall poor body condition.

Investigators first gave the case attention in September and later executed a search warrant issued Dec. 8, according to authorities involved in the inquiry. During the investigation, the Gwinnett Police Department assisted with documentation, logging evidence at the property described as grim.

Among the details recorded at the scene were many dogs confined to small cages containing feces and urine, as well as 13 dead dogs found in plastic bags stored in refrigerators. The agency handling the case concluded that “the cause of death was inadequate nutrition,” the Gwinnett Police Department said, highlighting the severe neglect these animals faced.

In 2021, law enforcement across the U.S. reported 16,573 animal cruelty offenses, with many cases often going unreported. Officials noted that these numbers reflect a disturbing trend in animal welfare, and such offenses can be reported to local police departments or animal control services, for instance by calling Gwinnett Police non-emergency at 770-513-5700.

Officers said the animals remaining alive at the home were malnourished and underweight. Responders removed living animals from the property for care and processing, prioritizing their health and well-being; the two women were taken into custody following the search and subsequent investigation.

The criminal counts against the suspects were described generally in charging language as multiple felony and misdemeanor counts of animal cruelty. Bond conditions and next court dates were not listed in the case materials provided with the arrest notices.

Local law enforcement recorded the timeline from initial attention in September through the December search warrant and Tuesday arrests as part of a broader investigative effort. Evidence collected on site, including photographs and physical items, was logged by officers and will be pivotal in prosecution efforts.

People living near the home were informed of the response as investigators worked to remove animals and secure the scene. Animal-handling personnel transported animals out of the residence to shelters and holding facilities to be evaluated and treated as necessary, addressing the urgent medical needs of these neglected animals.

For broader context on how animal welfare groups and experts document signs of neglect and neglect investigations, see the ASPCA’s guidance on typical indicators of animal neglect and cruelty. Prosecutors will review the evidence and pursue charges under Georgia’s statutes addressing animal cruelty, as the case remains with local authorities while charging decisions and the legal process move forward.

Source

Original reporting: view the original article.