Four adults await arraignment in animal hoarding case

GAINESVILLE - Four north Hall County residents are awaiting arraignment in Hall County Magistrate Court in connection with a hoarding case.

Last week, Hall County Animal Control officers impounded 69 animals - 67 dogs and two Guinea pigs - from a home on Bogus Road between Gainesville and Clermont.

David Jones, Assistant Director for the Hall County Animal Shelter, said a resident in the area called to complain about a number of dogs running loose in the area. He said animal control officers obtained warrants and found the animals in a small area.

"{It was a] typical double wide trailer that probably had three bedrooms, two baths," he said.

Jones would not identify those who were arrested, citing an active investigation. He said all four have been charged with hoarding.

"The actual definition of being a hoarder is the aspect of neglect of having one or more animals and not being able to provide adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation for them," said Jones.

As of Friday morning, Jones said the county had found homes for 21 of the dogs.

The Humane Society of Northeast Georgia and the Atlanta Humane Society are helping house some of the remaining animals.

"We had available space so we were able to go over there and pull some of the animals they took in from the case," said Julie Edwards, Director of Development and Marketing for the Humane Society of Northeast Georgia. "They actually came to us Wednesday and are in the process of being vetted."

Edwards thinks the dogs could be up for adoption as early as this weekend.