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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 Law Enforcement Seize 32 Dogs from Catoosa County Home in Animal Abuse Investigation

Atlanta, Ga – Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Investigators, in coordination with Catoosa County Officials, responded to allegations of animal abuse at a home in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, and took custody of 32 dogs. GDA Law Enforcement is committed to ensuring that violations of Georgia’s animal welfare laws are thoroughly investigated and responsible individuals are held accountable for any and all potential crimes. This operation is the second successful, large-scale rescue operation conducted by GDA Law Enforcement in Northwest Georgia in the past month.

“Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement is cracking down hard on animal abuse in the state of Georgia,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “I’m proud of the great work our officers did to remove these dogs from a dangerous situation, and we’re grateful for the assistance of Catoosa County Animal Control, Atlanta Humane Society, and our other partners, whose support was essential to the success of this operation.”

(Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement, Catoosa County AC, Murray County AC, Walker County AC, and Atlanta Humane Society Staff at staging point ahead of operation. Phone Credit: Catoosa County AC)
(Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement, Catoosa County AC, Murray County AC, Walker County AC, and Atlanta Humane Society Staff at staging point ahead of operation. Phone Credit: Catoosa County AC)

 

(Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture)
(Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture)

 

(Multiple animals were found living in extremely unhealthy condition inside an abandon structure on the property. Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture.)
(Multiple animals were found living in extremely unhealthy condition inside an abandon structure on the property. Photo Credit: Georgia Department of Agriculture.)

 

On August 1, 2025, Investigators with the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division responded to an address in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, in Catoosa County, regarding allegations of animal cruelty. When investigators arrived on scene, they observed approximately 20 dogs living outside in unsanitary conditions and several other dogs living in a hazardous, abandoned structure on the property. It was readily apparent that the animals were not being humanely cared for and were living in unhealthy conditions.

On August 5, 2025, GDA Investigators secured and executed a search warrant on the property with the assistances of Catoosa County Animal Control, Atlanta Humane Society, Walker County Animal Control, and Murray County Animal Control. During the operation, 32 dogs were seized and transported to a secondary location for veterinary care and evaluation.

This remains and active investigation. Once veterinary medical reports for each animal are finalized, appropriate charges will be brought against the responsible person(s).

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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