This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Six people have been arrested for animal cruelty in Forsyth County, Georgia after more than a dozen animals were seized from their shared home, where others died from neglect. Urge the district attorney to seek maximum penalties in this case!

According to a statement, Forsyth County Animal Services had been dealing with the property since April 2023 when a puppy who was sold from the home later died from parvovirus, an extremely contagious and deadly disease. The occupants were told to seek treatment for their animals, and not to get any more, but they ignored the directive.

Sadly, in December 2023 and January 2024, three more sick puppies were euthanized because of parvo, and a fourth was seized by a vet and treated.

In January, Animal Services went back and found a deceased dog on the front porch of the property and requested the help of Forsyth County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit. The next day a search warrant was executed at the residence, which authorities “observed in extreme filth and disarray, with trash, feces, and urine throughout the home.”

A total of 12 dogs, who had been kept in pairs in crates with no water, and two bearded dragons were seized and taken to the Forsyth County Pet Resource Center for care.

Despite this, just days later two of the residents, Emily Wilgus and Sheyann Edwards, each brought home another dog, both of whom had been obtained on Facebook. Authorities went back and seized both dogs and a cat.
 

Arrest warrants were served. Wilgus was charged with three counts of aggravated animal cruelty and two misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. Edwards was charged with aggravated animal cruelty and four counts of cruelty to animals.

Latisha Samples was charged with five counts of cruelty to animals. Hannah Glenn was charged with four counts of cruelty to animals. Jonathan Jagneaux was charged with cruelty to animals, and Kiara Wallis faces two counts of cruelty to animals.

Wilgus and Edwards, who were both charged with felony cruelty, are facing up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $15,000, or both.

In Defense of Animals does not doubt that the others charged with misdemeanors will face some measure of justice. Because these cases are quickly adjudicated, we are choosing to focus on pressing for the maximum sentencing of Wilgus and Edwards.

Letter to Decision Maker for reference:

I am writing to you to specifically support the strong prosecution of defendants Emily Wilgus and Sheyanne Edwards, who were both charged with aggravated animal cruelty along with four other defendants following the preventable deaths of multiple dogs who were exposed to parvovirus in their care, and the seizure of more than a dozen others who were left to suffer in horrifying conditions.

These defendants were warned multiple times, yet continued to put animals in harm's way.

I await the adjudication of these charges and hope for maximum sentencing that includes a long prison stay and high fines for both, as well as sentencing that includes mental health evaluations and treatment as well as assurances that none of those involved in this case will be allowed to be around animals again.

Thank you for your consideration of this important matter.

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.