A routine code enforcement case in Walker County escalated into a serious animal cruelty investigation, leading to the arrest of 58-year-old Renva Sue Gravitt. Gravitt now faces 22 counts of cruelty to animals and 10 counts of failure to maintain responsibility for control of rabies.

The charges stem from an investigation conducted at a property located at 35 Gentry Road in Chickamauga. The initial investigation was triggered by a complaint regarding garbage accumulation on the property. A Walker County code enforcement officer, responding to the complaint, discovered a large number of dogs living in unsanitary conditions. Walker County Animal Control was then called in to assist. Upon arrival, officers discovered 12 dogs and 10 chickens living in deplorable conditions. According to reports, the animals were subjected to an environment rife with accumulated feces and urine, garbage, and debris, and lacked access to adequate water. Several dogs were found confined within sheds with minimal to no ventilation. Tyler Bishop, Director of Walker County Animal Control, stated that over 40 animals had been previously removed from the same property. He also noted that Gravitt has a history of county code citations related to animals running at large.

As a result of the findings, code enforcement officials condemned the property. Bailey Clements, Director of Walker County Animal Services, made the arrest. If convicted on all counts of animal cruelty, Gravitt could face a maximum sentence of 22 years in jail and $22,000 in fines. She has already surrendered two of the dogs and all of the chickens to the Walker County Animal Shelter. The remaining ten dogs are currently being held under a court order pending the outcome of the case. The investigation is ongoing.