A Walker County couple is facing a litany of serious charges, including multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty, after authorities discovered three deceased dogs and several others fighting for their lives inside a sweltering, unsanitary business building. Warrants have been issued for the arrest of 48-year-old Ronald Lee Jackson and his 43-year-old wife, Melissa Sue Jackson.

The Jacksons stand accused of six counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, three counts of improper disposal of a dead animal, two counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, two counts of abandonment of a domestic animal, and four counts of violating Georgia’s rabies control law.

The shocking investigation began when Walker County Sheriff’s Deputies observed an open door at a business located at 2234 McFarland Avenue. While checking on the property, they stumbled upon a small room containing several dogs. Animal control officers were immediately summoned to the scene. After obtaining a search warrant, they made a grim discovery: three deceased dogs and a severely malnourished puppy, which tragically died shortly after being rescued.

Tyler Bishop, the Walker County Animal Control Director, described horrifying conditions inside the room. “There was no food or water available for the dogs, and the entire floor was saturated with urine and feces,” Bishop reported. He also noted a massive presence of flies, maggots, and other insects within the extremely hot and muggy space, which lacked any air conditioning or proper ventilation.

Amidst the grim scene, animal control officers managed to rescue two small puppies and two mixed-breed Chihuahuas alive, though they were also “saturated in urine and feces.” The two puppies were rushed to a local veterinarian, where they were diagnosed with Parvo, a highly contagious and often fatal disease for unvaccinated canines.

When contacted by animal control, Ronald Jackson reportedly told officers the couple had moved the dogs to their business premises because they were temporarily residing in a hotel. Jackson did surrender the surviving dogs to the Walker County Animal Shelter; however, both he and his wife have not yet turned themselves in to authorities despite the outstanding warrants.

If convicted on the six felony aggravated cruelty to animals charges alone, Ronald and Melissa Jackson each face severe penalties, including up to 30 years in prison, a fine of up to $90,000, or both, for each count. The investigation into this severe case of animal neglect is ongoing.