The 265-count accusations charging Joy Wise and her husband, Guerry, with cruelty to animals were filed in the State Court of Cherokee County on Oct. 3, according to court records. The Wises initially were charged with more than 350 counts of cruelty to animals this past July after the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office conducted an investigation into allegations that the couple was operating a puppy mill at Heavenly Kennels in Cumming.
The tip allegedly came from a North Carolina resident who had purchased a puppy from the kennel in May. The mixed-breed dog reportedly died after it arrived at the person’s home.
Joy Wise was cited after the May incident with 264 counts of animal cruelty, as the kennels reportedly did not have “adequate space” and were found to be unsanitary. She also was cited for not vaccinating the animals and operating without a business license, according to court records. Guerry Wise was not cited in May.
On July 15, the marshal’s office, with the assistance of Cherokee County Animal Shelter staff, a veterinarian and animal activist Victoria Stilwell, went to the kennel, located at 14045 Cumming Hwy., for a compliance check and found that more than 350 dogs still were being kept in unsanitary conditions.
Feces, urine and dog food were found in the cages. According to court documents, rabbits also were found living in deplorable conditions in a cage “covered by a blanket.” The affidavit for Joy Wise’s arrest accuses her of “withholding water and food” from the rabbits.
The animals were seized and taken to the Cherokee County Animal Shelter, where they stayed until the Wises relinquished ownership, at which point the animals were made available for adoption.
The Wises turned themselves into authorities in late July and have since filed several motions in State Court, including a motion to suppress “all illegally seized” evidence.
The Wises are scheduled to be arraigned on Nov. 12 at 9 a.m.
(Cherokee Ledger October 15, 2014)
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