Jennifer Scruggs, 37, of Guyton, currently has an active warrant for failure to appear and will have additional warrants for her arrest today for cruelty to animals, abandonment of animals, and improper disposal of dead animals.
This investigation began yesterday afternoon when deputies were called to a residence in the 400 block of Highway 17 near Guyton Georgia. Witnesses said the residence had been abandoned for at least two weeks and there were no signs of the homeowner.
Deputies could detect the smell of the deceased animals prior to entering the residence.
When they made entry, deputies located over 26 animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles and birds. Four animals were dead inside. The animals were left in deplorable conditions with no food or water.
The surviving animals were taken to the Effingham County Animal Shelter.
Additional charges against Scruggs are expected.
(The Coastal Source - Nov 21, 2012)
