Atlanta, Ga – Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced that Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Investigators, in coordination with Catoosa County Officials, responded to allegations of animal abuse at a home in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, and took custody of 32 dogs. GDA Law Enforcement is committed to ensuring that violations of Georgia’s animal welfare laws are thoroughly investigated and responsible individuals are held accountable for any and all potential crimes. This operation is the second successful, large-scale rescue operation conducted by GDA Law Enforcement in Northwest Georgia in the past month.
“Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement is cracking down hard on animal abuse in the state of Georgia,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “I’m proud of the great work our officers did to remove these dogs from a dangerous situation, and we’re grateful for the assistance of Catoosa County Animal Control, Atlanta Humane Society, and our other partners, whose support was essential to the success of this operation.”
On August 1, 2025, Investigators with the Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Division responded to an address in Tunnel Hill, Georgia, in Catoosa County, regarding allegations of animal cruelty. When investigators arrived on scene, they observed approximately 20 dogs living outside in unsanitary conditions and several other dogs living in a hazardous, abandoned structure on the property. It was readily apparent that the animals were not being humanely cared for and were living in unhealthy conditions.
On August 5, 2025, GDA Investigators secured and executed a search warrant on the property with the assistances of Catoosa County Animal Control, Atlanta Humane Society, Walker County Animal Control, and Murray County Animal Control. During the operation, 32 dogs were seized and transported to a secondary location for veterinary care and evaluation.
This remains and active investigation. Once veterinary medical reports for each animal are finalized, appropriate charges will be brought against the responsible person(s).