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Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334

Georgia Department of Agriculture Arrests Trenton Couple for Multiple Counts of Felony Animal Cruelty

ATLANTA, GA — Yesterday, the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Division (LE), in coordination with the Dade County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Nathaniel Levon Curington and Aimee Renee Currington, both of Trenton, following an investigation into alleged animal abuse at their residence. Both individuals are charged with seven Felony counts of violating GA Code § 16-12-4 – Cruelty to Animals and are currently being held at the Dade County Jail. GDA Law Enforcement has turned the case over to the Dade County District Attorney’s Office for additional charges and prosecution.

“This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse and neglect we have seen, and I am confident these individuals will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “GDA Law Enforcement is sending a clear message that animal abuse has no place in the state of Georgia, and we are committed to working with local law enforcement and prosecutors to crack down on those who abuse animals in our state.”

Georgia Department of Agriculture Arrests Trenton Couple for Multiple Counts of Felony Animal Cruelty
(Photo Courtesy of the Dade County Sheriff’s Office)
Georgia Department of Agriculture Arrests Trenton Couple for Multiple Counts of Felony Animal Cruelty
(Photo Courtesy of the Dade County Sheriff’s Office)

Case Narrative:

Last week, GDA Law Enforcement Officers and Companion Animal Program Inspectors served an inspection warrant on the residence located at 181 Sells Lane Trenton, Ga. The warrant was obtained in response to a recent complaint and after GDA inspectors were repeatedly denied entry to the property.

During the course of a 14-hour operation, 256 animals, in various states of neglect including some deceased, were removed from the property and transported to a secondary location to receive veterinary care. GDA is grateful for the assistance of multiple local agencies and non-profits on this operation including: Dade County Sheriff’s Office, Trenton Police Department, Gordon County Animal Services, Murray County Animal Services, Walker County Animal Services, Forsyth County Animal Services, Catoosa County Animal Services, Cherokee County Animal Services, Trenton-Dade Animal Center, Dade County Animal Hospital, The Mountain Hospital for Animals, Luck’s Rescue, The Dade County Pet Project, and Sun Dog Grooming.

On July 9, 2025, Nathaniel Levon Curington (44) and Aimee Renee Curington (45), both of Trenton, Ga, were arrested and charged with seven counts of Felony cruelty to animals each. The case has been turned over to the Dade County District Attorney for additional charges and prosecution.

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About GDA's Law Enforcement Division
The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division, reinstated by Commissioner Harper upon taking office, is crucial for enforcing agricultural laws and regulations. Empowered by statute, the Division tackles a wide range of issues, including animal cruelty, labor violations, drug trafficking, and agro-terrorism, while also enhancing security at state farmers markets. Additionally, its Emergency Management branch leads the Department's response to emergencies, such as natural disasters and animal disease outbreaks, ensuring a rapid and effective reaction to safeguard Georgia's agricultural community and public safety.

Georgia Department of Agriculture logo

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334