Three individuals are facing more than 100 criminal charges after authorities in the US state of Georgia made a horrific discovery at a residential property, finding nearly thirty deceased dogs and dozens more in a severely malnourished state.
Gruesome Discovery in Beauregard
Deputies from the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) were called to an address in the Beauregard community on Monday, 12 January 2026, following a report from a concerned neighbour. What they uncovered was described as a scene of profound animal neglect and cruelty.
An investigation revealed that 29 dogs had died and their bodies had been placed inside plastic bags. The bags were then discarded into a large pile located in the backyard of the property. Alongside the deceased animals, authorities recovered 24 other dogs that were alive but emaciated.
Three Suspects Arrested and Charged
Three people who lived at the address were swiftly taken into custody. They have been identified as Curtis Dewayne Haralson, 63, Patricia Ann Sims, 54, and Tiffany Ann Sims, 27. The precise relationship between the trio has not been detailed by officials.
All three were transported to the Lee County Jail. Sheriff Jay Jones confirmed that collectively, the suspects face a staggering 111 charges. The charges include eight felony counts of aggravated animal cruelty and 29 misdemeanour counts for the failure to bury livestock.
A bond of $48,700 has been set for each defendant. Under Georgia state law, a first conviction for aggravated animal cruelty carries a prison sentence of one to five years, with penalties increasing for subsequent offences.
Aftermath and Rescue Efforts
The surviving dogs, described as severely underweight and in poor health, were removed from the property for urgent care. The Animal Health Center of Opelika has since announced that the 24 rescued dogs are now available for adoption, offering them a chance at a new life.
This distressing case emerges shortly after another separate animal cruelty incident gained attention. In Queens, New York, a 68-year-old man was arrested after video footage showed him driving with two dogs tied to the back of his car. Those dogs were later taken to an ASPCA facility.
The investigation in Lee County remains active as authorities continue to process the evidence from the property and care for the rescued animals.
