Charles Smith, 38, is charged with three counts of animal cruelty.
According to Capt. Keith Shaddix of the Villa Rica Police Department, Smith apparently kept the dogs in cages. Animal Control officers removed the dogs from Smith's home on March 10. Smith was arrested March 19.
Officers said the skin off all three dogs showed signs of "urine scald," a condition that happens when an animal is forced to lie in its own urine and feces for an extended period of time. One of the dogs had been apparently beaten so badly, his back legs were paralyzed.
Smith is out of jail on $12,500 bond. He declined to answer the door when a reporter went to his Maple Street home seeking comment.
Carroll County Press Release
On March 10, 2017 Carroll County Animal Control Officers made the Villa Rica Police Department aware of the seizure of (3) dogs from a Maple Street residence. Animal Control Officers provided details and witness statements from neighbors who witnessed the dog’s owner Charles Smith, 38 years old, from Villa Rica, verbally and physically abuse the (3) dogs.
After CCAC seized the (3) dogs, they were taken (by CCAC) to Bowdon Animal Hospital where they were treated for severe neglect.
One of the dogs is currently being treated by Bowdon Animal Hospital veterinarians for paralysis to its back legs as a result of not only abuse, but lack of care for the its injuries. That particular dog also suffered from “urine scald” as a result of being allowed to lay in its own urine and feces for extended periods of time.
The (2) other dogs were also treated for urine scald as well as Tyoderma which is a skin infection related to neglect.
A criminal investigation was then initiated by the Villa Rica Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division. As a result of both CCAC and VRPD investigations Charles Smith was arrested on March 19, 2017 for (1) count of aggravated animal cruelty and (2) counts of cruelty to animals.
ARREST INFO:
Full Name: Charles Prentice Smith
Gender: Male
Block: 100 Maple St
City: Villa Rica, Georgia 30180
Height: 5'08"
Weight: 140 lbs
Date: 03/20/2017
Location: Carroll County, GA
Total Bond: $12,500
Charges
#1 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
STATUTE: 16-12-4 (B) (MISDEMEANOR)
#2 CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
STATUTE: 16-12-4 (B) (MISDEMEANOR)
#3 AGGRAVATED CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
STATUTE: 16-12-4(C) (FELONY)
(CBS46 - March 22, 2017)
