German Shepherd named Star left tied in side yard to suffer until she died

GEORGIA -- Four Macon County residents are facing animal cruelty charges after a tip led Macon County Animal Control Officer Corey Lawrence to discover a German Shepherd that had died in the side yard of 359 McCall Lane in Lafayette.

 

  

Star, the German Shepherd that was found dead, still
 tied to a bush and unable to find food or water.

 

Jessica A. Leeper, 21, was charged with 1 count of felony aggravated animal cruelty and 2 other counts of animal cruelty. Kristen E. Leeper, 20, Jerelyn Leeper, 51, and Aphton T. Jennings, 32, were each charged with 3 counts of animal cruelty. All four live in the home on McCall Lane, although Jessica Leeper was said to be the owner of the deceased dog.

The German Shepherd, named Star, was found dead on Friday, Jan. 29, tied to a plastic rope that had been wrapped several times around a large bush. The previous two nights the temperatures had been down in the mid 20s.

“When I arrived, there was no food or water around,” said Lawrence. The dog’s rib cage was visible and looked like a skeleton just covered with fur.

Upon further investigation, Lawrence found several other dogs on the property that also looked malnourished.

“All were underweight and had worms. None were rabies vaccinated and all were in filthy conditions. Some had skin conditions also, possibly due to the filthy conditions they were living in,” Lawrence explained.

“I impounded 10 other dogs on the property and one cat,” he said. All of the animals have been placed in area rescues.

Jerelyn Leeper, left, listens as Macon County Animal Control Officer
Corey Lawrence, middle, explains the severity of the crime,
and Sheriff's Deputy Danny Gross.

Lawrence issued warrants for their arrests after necropsy test results came back positive for emaciation. A necropsy is an autopsy for animals.

According to the report made by Millie D. Brookins, DVM, Case Coordinator for Kord Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Nashville, there was “no evidence of terminal infectious diseases, chronic condition or neoplasia that may cause the emaciation.”

The report also says, “There are numerous causes of emaciation and in this case chronic malnutrition or inadequate nutrition is a concern.”

If convicted, Jessica Leeper could face one to six years in prison, as well as a fine of up to $3,000, for felony aggravated animal cruelty, and for each count of animal cruelty, if convicted, she could face up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both.

Kristen E. Leeper, Jerelyn Leeper, and Aphton T. Jennings, if convicted, could face up to 11 months and 29 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,500, or both for each charge.

Friday, Jan. 30 the four turned themselves in to the Macon County Sheriff’s Office and were each released on their own recognizance.

(Macon county times - January 30. 2015)