Georgia cops find 60-70 dogs in worst animal cruelty case “we have ever seen”

Authorities in Polk County are searching for answers after they discovered “60-70” dogs on a property in Aragon, a small city south of Rome, Ga. The department called it “one of the worst cruelty to animal cases we have ever seen.”

In a video posted to the department’s Facebook page, dozens of dogs can be seen scattered throughout the dense woods on the property. Most appear to be pit bulls or pit bull mixes.

Chief Kenny Dodd said that many of the animals appeared to be malnourished, and some were injured. They were spread throughout the property, tied to trees and posts with heavy chains, crammed into small kennels or just left out in the open. Many had no food or water.

The Polk County Fire Department arrived at the scene with a truck full of water for the dogs.

“None of these dogs are vicious. I have petted everyone of them myself,” Chief Dodd said. “I don’t know how anybody could treat an animal this way.”

Dodd said that the department planned to remove the dogs Tuesday. Local shelters and individuals pledged their support in the comments, and many individuals pleaded with rescuers to see if any of the dogs were their own lost pets. Others volunteered to come to the site and socialize with the animals until they could be safely removed.

“I wanted the public to see what kind of shape these dogs are in and how they’re being treated,” Dodd said. “Hopefully this will also help in court.”

Dodd did not give details on any suspects in the case or what initially brought them to the property.

This story was originally published August 29, 2017 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Georgia cops find 60-70 dogs in worst animal cruelty case “we have ever seen”."