Tuesday March 19th, 2024 5:38AM

Man faces 30 counts of animal cruelty in Forsyth County

CUMMING - A Forsyth County man faces multiple animal cruelty charges after authorities removed several dogs from a residence in the western part of the county earlier this month.
 
Billy Ray Shirley, 59, of Cumming, was facing the charges Wednesday, according to a media release from the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office.
 
The case began when deputies responded to a call at a local hospital on February 3.  Shirley had been in the hospital according to Deputy Epifanio Rodriguez.
 
"I can tell you it was a medical condition.  We're not going to go into the extent of the medical condition," Rodriguez said.
 
Deputies ultimately obtained and executed a search warrant at a residence on Franklin Goldmine Road.  That's where they say they found 30 Jack Russell Terriers living in what they describe as deplorable conditions.
 
"There was animal feces, animal urine all over the residence.  It did not seem that these dogs were let out at any time to use the bathroom," Rodriguez said.
 
One dog was found deceased inside the home.
 
"The other animals are being kept at the Forsyth County Animal Shelter at this time where they're being cared for," Rodriguez said.
 
Shirley remained in the Forsyth County Jail Wednesday morning, his bond set at $34,650.
 
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