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Case ID: 11722
Classification: Hoarding
Animal: dog (non pit-bull)
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Hoarding 40 cats, 2 dogs
Lawrenceville, GA (US)

Incident Date: Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007
County: Gwinnett

Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Not Charged
Case Images: 1 files available

Person of Interest: Stephen Ragnar Ramstadius

Case Updates: 1 update(s) available

Police found 42 animals in a house in Gwinnett County on Wednesday morning.

Investigators wore special breathing equipment when they entered the house of 45-year-old Stephen Ragnar Ramstadius on Oak Grove Circle in Lawrenceville. They said they may file criminal charges against him.

"The ammonia levels inside the residence are at near toxic proportions," said Corp. K. Darren Moloney, spokesman for Gwinnett County Police Department. "It is believed the house will be condemned."

Gwinnett County Animal Control and four other agencies were called to the 1100 block of Oak Grove Circle on Wednesday morning to investigate reports of a foul smell. Inside, they found 40 cats and kittens and two dogs.

Police said Ramstadius is not a pet breeder or rescuer. The animals kept him company. He lived alone.


Case Updates

Animal control workers donned special breathing devices on Wednesday to search the Gwinnett County home of a man who officials said was keeping more than 40 animals inside.

Gwinnett County police said animal control workers were called out to the home on Tuesday at 1171 Oak Grove Circle in Lawrenceville after they received complaints from neighbors about a terrible smell.

The Gwinnett County Police Department was called to the scene after animal control specialists found evidence or possible animal abuse.

The owner of the home, 45-year-old Stephen Ragnar Ramstadius, had approached animal control workers on Tuesday and asked them to take the animals inside his home.

Ammonia levels inside the home were at near toxic levels, investigators said.

Animal rescue workers donned specialized breathing devices and air filters in order to search the house for any remaining animals.

Investigators said they believe there were approximately 41 cats and two dogs inside the home.

"My good deed turned out to not be such a good deed after all," Ramstadius said. "Thankfully they've come and taken all my cats."

Neighbors described Ramstadius as a loner. They said they are said the problem got to this point, but glad that it is finally getting some attention.

Ramstadius was taken into custody and released after receiving 43 citations for animal neglect. Each charge could result in a maximum fine of $1,000 with a possibility of up to 30 days in jail.

Even though the animals are gone, health department officials said it would be too dangerous for Ramstadius to continue to live there.

Ramstadius said he was sorry for what happened and hopes the cats will go to home where they get better care.

"They certainly need a break compared to what I gave them," Ramstadius said.
Source: 46 News - July 11, 2007
Update posted on Jul 17, 2007 - 12:13AM 

References

  • « GA State Animal Cruelty Map
    « More cases in Gwinnett County, GA

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