#AnimalControl | AM 1180 Radio

July 13, 2026

Summerville Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charge Following Police Investigation

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A Summerville man is expected to face an animal cruelty charge following an investigation into reports that a dog was being kept without adequate food, water or shelter during hot weather, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police were dispatched at approximately 7:54 p.m. on July 1 after receiving a complaint about a dog allegedly being neglected. According to the incident report, the complainant identified the dog’s owner as Dakota Marks and reported seeing the dog tied to a tree with a ratchet strap.

When officers arrived, they found a large dog secured by a ratchet strap with one end attached to the animal and the other fastened to a tree. The report states the immediate area contained no shelter from the heat, no accessible food, and the only water container had a crack in the bottom, preventing it from serving as a reliable water source. Officers also noted the area was heavily littered with trash and that the restraint was not long enough for the dog to reach a nearby camper.

The responding officer photographed the scene and requested assistance from Animal Control. Attempts to locate Marks at the location were unsuccessful.

According to the report, a warrant was issued for Dakota Marks on a charge of Cruelty to Animals.

May 10, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Walker County Commissioners Approve Spay And Neuter Ordinance

Local News, Local News Items #AnimalControl, #AnimalWelfare, #CommunityNews, #LocalGovernment, #northwestgeorgia, #PetCare, #PetOverpopulation, #ResponsiblePetOwnership, #SpayAndNeuter, #WalkerCounty, #WalkerCountyAnimalShelter, #WalkerCountyGA, #wzqznews 0

Walker County animal welfare leaders are celebrating what they describe as a major step forward for animals in the community.

The Walker County Board of Commissioners has approved a new spay and neuter ordinance following nearly two years of meetings, revisions, and ongoing discussion.

According to the Walker County Animal Shelter, the ordinance is designed to help address pet overpopulation and encourage responsible pet ownership. The measure applies to pet owners who are found in violation of animal-related offenses, requiring them to have their pet spayed or neutered or pay a fee. That fee is expected to be finalized at an upcoming commissioners meeting.

The ordinance includes exemptions for hunting dogs, working dogs, livestock guardian animals, licensed breeders, and pets with medical exemptions certified by a licensed veterinarian.

Shelter officials say animal welfare efforts often face significant challenges, including overpopulation, hoarding cases, cruelty investigations, and limited resources. Despite those challenges, they say the new ordinance represents meaningful progress for the county.

The Walker County Animal Shelter will continue offering its spay and neuter voucher program and hopes to expand resources available to pet owners in the future.

May 1, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Free Animal Vaccine Clinic Today In Summerville

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A free animal vaccine and microchipping clinic is happening today, Friday, May 1, for dogs and cats in Chattooga County.

The event will be held from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Tractor Supply, 11788 Highway 27 in Summerville.

The clinic is sponsored by the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia in partnership with the Chattooga County Animal Shelter. Services include rabies vaccines for dogs and cats, DHPP vaccines for dogs, FVRCP vaccines for cats, and microchips.

Animal Control Director Charlie Long says all dogs should be on a leash, and all cats must be in a crate while attending the clinic.

Because of the event, the Chattooga County Animal Shelter will be closed today.

April 24, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Rossville Couple Arrested On Animal Cruelty Charges Following Investigation

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A Walker County investigation has led to the arrest of a Rossville couple on multiple animal-related charges after authorities say a dog suffered a prolonged and preventable death.

April 5, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Volunteers Needed At Chattooga County Animal Shelter

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An important plea is going out from Friends of Chattooga County Animal Shelter, where supporters say more volunteers are needed to help meet the daily needs of animals waiting for homes. Shelter organizers say there is truly something for everyone to do, and no amount of help is too small when it comes to caring for the dogs and cats at the facility.

April 3, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Dog Bite Incident Reported On Seventh Street In Summerville, Owner Cited

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A dog bite incident reported in Summerville on March 26, 2026, led to a citation for the animal’s owner, identified as Mildred Crusoe, according to a Summerville Police Department incident report.

Police said the incident happened around 4:39 p.m. in the area of Seventh Street at Fairground Road, with the report listing the address as 166 Seventh Street in Summerville.

According to the officer’s narrative, a man told police he was riding his bike on the opposite side of Seventh Street when a large black dog ran after him and bit his right ankle. The officer reported seeing a tear in the man’s pants leg near the ankle, though the victim said the dog did not break the skin.

The victim told police he wanted to press charges. The responding officer also noted there had been prior issues involving a dog at that address and said a report would be filed along with a citation for the owner. The report states Crusoe was later issued a citation in connection with the incident.

Officials remind residents to ensure pets are properly restrained, tagged, and under control to prevent injuries and avoid citations.

March 20, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Local FFA Chapters Raise Nearly $2,000 for Animal Shelter During Day of Service

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Students from across Chattooga County came together for a day of service, raising nearly $2,000 to support the local animal shelter while also volunteering their time.

March 7, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Dogs Found Dead and Starving at Abandoned Property on West Spring Creek Road

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Authorities responded to a disturbing animal cruelty situation after neighbors reported excessive barking at a home located at 245 West Spring Creek Road. When Animal Control and police arrived at the property, they discovered what officials described as an abandoned residence with multiple dogs left without food or water for an extended period of time.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Animal Shelter Launches “Adopt a Kitty Corner” Sponsorship Program

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The Chattooga County Animal Shelter is inviting the community to help support cats in its care through a new initiative called “Adopt a Kitty Corner.” The program allows businesses, families, classrooms, organizations, and individuals to sponsor a cat space inside the shelter and directly support cats as they wait for adoption.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Armuchee Couple Jailed on Child Cruelty, Animal Cruelty Charges After Reports of Filthy Living Conditions

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A couple in Armuchee is facing felony child cruelty charges after authorities say two children—both minors—were sent to school with animal feces on their clothing and bookbags, and were living in what investigators described as deplorable conditions inside the home.