Farmed animal neglect
Nicholson, GA (US)Incident Date: Monday, Aug 4, 2008
County: Jackson
Disposition: Not Charged
Case Images: 3 files available
Persons of Interest:
» Wayne Cox
» Debbie Cox
A Jackson County couple will have to give up their livestock to avoid animal cruelty charges after state Department of Agriculture workers reportedly found severely malnourished pigs, goats and a steer at a farm on Georgia Highway 334 southeast of Nicholson.
Agriculture department workers called Jackson County sheriff's deputies to the farm belonging to Wayne and Debbie Cox last week after an inspector found several malnourished animals there. The inspector had responded to a tip that the animals were abused, according to a report from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office.
Agriculture department investigator Royce Sims "stated he had been on a farm all of his life and that one of the pigs in the backyard was the most unhealthy pig he had ever seen," Deputy Aubrey Gary wrote in his report. "He also stated that there was a steer that also looked like it was starving, both of which would probably die within the week if they were not fed."
Gary could not find any food or water left out for the animals, according to his report.
Sheriff's department investigators made arrangements with the Cox family shortly after the Aug. 4 inspection to have a livestock dealer buy the animals sometime in the next week, said Chief Deputy David Cochran. The sheriff's office won't pursue animal cruelty charges if the Coxes give up the animals, Cochran said.
Local authorities have investigated more reports of livestock cruelty and neglect complaints this summer because of the drought, Cochran said. Cows and horses that are routinely set out to graze are not finding enough food, and novice or inattentive farmers are failing to supplement their animals' food supply.
Passersby are calling the sheriff's office when they see malnourished animals in the field.
The Cox farm is about two miles from L&D Farm and Kennel, where agriculture department officials, animal rescue volunteers and Jackson County Animal Control investigators seized about 300 sick, malnourished and injured dogs from an allegedly inhumane breeding operation in February.
However, there's nothing that connects the two cases except for their proximity, an agriculture department spokesman said Wednesday.
District Attorney Rick Bridgeman plans to bring charges against the kennel owners when a Jackson County grand jury convenes later this month.
Marie and Ronnie Hughes, Jennifer Marie Hughes and Brandy Shree Stone were arrested after the February raid at the kennel on Sanford Road east of Nicholson. They were each charged with five felony and 55 misdemeanor counts of cruelty to animals. References« GA State Animal Cruelty Map
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