Two Women in Their 60s Arrested After 13 Dead Dogs Found Stuffed in Refrigerators

A disturbing animal cruelty investigation in suburban Georgia has led to the arrest of two women in their late 60s after authorities uncovered what police described as a deeply horrific scene inside a private residence. 13 Dead Dogs Found Stuffed in Refrigerators and freezers, while 25 other dogs were rescued alive from cramped, unsanitary cages. The case has shocked the local community and prompted renewed attention on the enforcement of animal welfare laws, as investigators work to determine how long the alleged abuse lasted and whether warning signs were previously missed.

Christine Abbott, 67, and Donna Slavin, 65, both residents of Snellville, Georgia, are now facing a combined total of 26 animal cruelty charges. According to law enforcement officials, the condition of the animals, the manner in which the deceased dogs were stored, and the overall state of the home indicate prolonged neglect rather than a single isolated incident. The surviving dogs are currently receiving care from county authorities as the criminal case proceeds.

Police Discover Widespread Neglect During Welfare Check

The investigation began on September 17, when Gwinnett County Animal Control requested assistance from the Gwinnett County Police Department following allegations of animal cruelty at a home on Britt Drive in Snellville. Such requests typically occur when animal control officers suspect conditions that may rise to the level of criminal conduct, requiring law enforcement involvement.

When officers entered the home, they encountered dozens of dogs housed in extremely small cages. Many of the cages were filled with feces and urine, creating conditions described by police as unsafe and unhealthy. Officers located 25 dogs still alive, but several were visibly underweight and malnourished. According to police statements, the animals appeared to have been confined for extended periods with little to no opportunity for movement or proper care.

Cpl. Angela Carter, a spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Police Department, confirmed that officers found the surviving dogs in dire condition. She stated that the animals were confined in very small cages and showed clear signs of neglect. Some were reportedly weak and lethargic, consistent with prolonged malnutrition and exposure to unsanitary environments.

In addition to the living animals, investigators made a far more disturbing discovery inside the residence. Officers located three refrigerators and freezers containing 13 plastic bags, each holding the body of a deceased dog. Authorities said the dogs were in various stages of decomposition, suggesting they had not all died at the same time. The decision to store the remains in refrigerators rather than dispose of them properly raised further concerns for investigators.

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Carter described the interior of the home as deeply troubling and confirmed that detectives considered the scene one of the most distressing animal cruelty cases they had encountered. The conditions indicated systemic neglect rather than an attempt at temporary sheltering or rescue.

Criminal Charges and Legal Proceedings

Following the initial discovery, the case remained under investigation for several weeks while veterinary examinations and necropsies were conducted. The surviving dogs underwent medical evaluations to assess their condition, while the deceased animals were examined to determine possible causes of death. These findings played a key role in the filing of criminal charges.

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On December 8, based on evidence gathered through veterinary reports and investigative findings, authorities obtained 12 felony warrants for cruelty to animals and 14 misdemeanor warrants for cruelty to animals against Christine Abbott and Donna Slavin. The felony charges reflect allegations of aggravated cruelty, while the misdemeanor charges relate to neglect and improper care.

The two women were taken into custody this week and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. Jail records indicate that each woman is being held on a bond set at $16,000. As of now, it remains unclear whether either Christine Abbott or Donna Slavin has a prior history of animal cruelty complaints or convictions. Authorities have not released information suggesting that the home was previously cited for similar violations. Investigators have also not disclosed how long the dogs were kept in the home or the duration of the alleged abuse.

Establishing a timeline may prove challenging, particularly given the varying stages of decomposition observed among the deceased animals. Detectives continue to review evidence and interview potential witnesses as part of the ongoing case. The severity and number of charges suggest that prosecutors view the case as one involving prolonged and intentional neglect. Under Georgia law, felony animal cruelty charges can carry significant penalties, including prison time, fines, and restrictions on future animal ownership if convictions are secured.

Community Reaction and Ongoing Care for Rescued Dogs

News of the arrests quickly spread throughout the Snellville community, leaving neighbors shocked and unsettled. Residents who spoke with local media said they were unaware of the conditions inside the home and expressed disbelief that such severe neglect could occur unnoticed in a residential neighborhood. One neighbor, Cheryl Huff, described the discovery as heartbreaking, stating that she loves animals and found the situation deeply upsetting.

Similar reactions were echoed by others in the area, many of whom said they had never suspected the extent of what was happening behind closed doors. The case has also drawn attention to the challenges faced by animal control agencies tasked with monitoring animal welfare in private residences. While authorities respond to complaints as they arise, cases involving hoarding or long-term neglect can be difficult to detect without direct reports from neighbors or visitors.

The 25 surviving dogs have been transferred to the care of the county animal shelter, where they are receiving medical treatment, nutrition, and behavioral assessment. Shelter officials have not released details about the breeds or ages of the dogs but confirmed that all are undergoing evaluation to determine their long-term needs. Veterinary professionals involved in the case are expected to provide testimony regarding the condition of the animals, both living and deceased, as the legal process moves forward.

Their findings will likely be central to establishing the severity of neglect and whether the deaths of the dogs were preventable. As the investigation continues, authorities have urged the public to report suspected animal abuse or neglect to local animal control agencies. Officials emphasize that early intervention can prevent situations from escalating to the level seen in this case.

The arrests of Christine Abbott and Donna Slavin mark a significant development in the investigation, but many questions remain unanswered. Prosecutors are expected to outline their case in greater detail as court proceedings begin, while animal welfare advocates closely watch the outcome for its potential implications on enforcement and accountability in similar cases.