Latasha Everson
CNHI
TIFTON —
A Tifton couple was arrested Thursday after an investigation discovered six dehydrated, malnourished, emaciated dogs.
Detective Ferron Yi at the Tifton Police Department said Friday that on Jan. 17, Tift County Animal Control went to the residence at 17 Clint Circle and retrieved the dogs — one Yorkie and five bulldogs — after receiving a complaint from someone. She stated that Animal Control representatives then approached her on Jan. 22 with information concerning the case.
Regenia Wells, director of the Tifton-Tift County Animal Shelter, stated that the dogs were in bad condition when they picked them up. She said that on a scale of one to 10, with 10 being the best, their condition was a four.
“Two dogs didn’t have shelter, some didn’t have water and none had food,” Wells said.
Yi noted that the water at the residence had been cut off two days prior to the dogs being picked up by Animal Control.
Justin Martinez Horton, 23, of 2302 S. College Ave., and Shannon Shydia Murray, 22, of 17 Clint Circle, were arrested Thursday afternoon and were both charged with six counts of cruelty to animals. Yi said the couple was “pretty cooperative.”
When asked Friday about the current status of the dogs, Wells stated, “They were very, very hungry when they got to the shelter. They have been eating every day and are looking healthier.”
To contact reporter Latasha Everson, call 382-4321.
