A Georgia woman has been arrested in connection to killing over a dozen dogs and keeping them inside a refrigerator and freezer at her home.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office arrested Margaret Elizabeth Nevils, 41, of Grovetown, Georgia on a charge of animal cruelty.
The sheriff’s office said, “We received a phone call on Thursday from a concerned neighbor, who had not seen Nevils or anyone at the home since October. We tried contacting Nevils multiple times over the phone, but no one answered.”
When police arrived at the home to investigate, they discovered the home in very bad condition. The floor was covered in animal feces and the furniture looked beyond destroyed.
After inspecting the kitchen, officers discovered blood seeping from the refrigerator. After opening the refrigerator door, they found bags containing several dog carcasses.
“It was beyond horrific as an animal lover. The bodies of three dead dogs were found in the refrigerator and the body of an adult dog with seven puppies were found in the freezer,” an officer said.
Further investigation revealed another three dead dogs in various stages of decomposition in the master bedroom and empty dog cages, along with shredded furniture in a spare bedroom.
Officers also found a live female pit bull on the property that appeared to have chewed a hole through the wall separating the kitchen from the garage.
Animal services were immediately called to the scene to address the pit bull’s health.
The animal hospital where the pit bull was taken told the outlet that the dog was malnourished and weighed in at 37 lbs. She also had scars on her face, fractured teeth, a bleeding tail and dandruff.
Neighbors said they don’t understand how someone can do this and are hoping for justice for the dogs.
“It’s kind of wild to think these animals would keep disappearing like this,” said neighbor Josh Suich. “I know nobody wants to be nosy with their neighbors business, but it definitely makes me wish we had noticed something sooner.”
Deputies located Nevils, who had been staying with a friend in Columbia County, and arrested her, though she eventually was let out on $5,100 bond.
Maj. Steve Morris said, “She worked in Richmond County, and we questioned her. She was involved in some adoption service. That is still under in investigation. She stated she became overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, and she abandoned the dogs.”
The law states a person convicted of the offense of aggravated cruelty to animals shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, a fine not to exceed $15,000.00, or both.
