Melissa Sue and Ronald Lee Jackson

https://newschannel9.com/news/local/walker-county-couple-wanted-for-cruelty-towards-dead-sick-dogs-arrested-near-florida-line

WALKER COUNTY, Ga. — A Walker County couple wanted for the death of 3 dogs and neglect of 5 others were taken into custody near the Florida state line, according to the sheriff's office.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office says Ronald Lee Jackson and Melissa Sue Jackson were arrested on July 1 by the Morven Police Department, approximately 18 miles from the Florida line.

They were transported back to Walker County on July 2nd and booked on several charges.

The couple faces six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, three counts of improper disposal of a dead animal, two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, two counts of abandonment of a domestic animal, and four counts of violating Georgia’s rabies control law.

Deputies investigating this case noticed an open door at a business located on McFarland Avenue. Once inside, they found a small room containing several dogs.

WCSO says animal control officers were called to the scene, and after obtaining a search warrant, they discovered 3 dead dogs and a malnourished puppy, which later died.

"There was no food or water available for the dogs, and the entire floor was saturated with urine and feces," said Tyler Bishop, the animal control director.

Bishop noted the presence of flies, maggots, and other insects in the room, which was extremely hot and muggy with no air conditioning or proper ventilation.

While removing the dead dogs, WCSO says deputies found two small puppies and two mixed-breed Chihuahuas alive, but covered in urine and feces.

The puppies were taken to a veterinarian and diagnosed with Parvo, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease affecting unvaccinated dogs.

When contacted by animal control officers, Jackson told deputies the couple had moved the dogs to their business because they were staying in a hotel.

Jackson surrendered the dogs to the Walker County Animal Shelter, but he and his wife did not turn themselves in at the time.

Now that the couple is in custody, WCSO says they could each face up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $90,000 if convicted.

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