SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) - Two people have been arrested and over two dozen dogs have been rescued after an animal cruelty investigation in Candler County.
On Thursday, the Candler County Sheriff's Office executed a search warrant at a home on Cool Springs Church Road where the animals were discovered.
Renegade Paws Rescue, one of the organizations involved in the rescue operation, said the shepherds were found "emaciated" on the property of a breeder whose operations were shuttered by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.
Deputies arrested William Howard, 71, and Celeste Howard, 73, and booked them at the Candler County Jail on animal cruelty charges.
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
- photo: Renegade Paws Rescue
Renegade Paws said that some of the shepherds were "too sick to be saved" while others were "teetering on the edge of life and death."
Colleton County Animal Services rescues 11 English Spaniels
"[W]e will do our damndest to see that these dogs get an ounce of the beauty we know life can hold for them. They deserve it," Renegade shared in a Facebook post.
The nonprofit is imploring the community to foster and assist in maintaining the pack, which includes a female shepherd who will require "thousands" of dollars for health issues which include hip issues, flea allergies and vetting.
According to the Colleton County Sheriff's Office, they also collaborated with the Atlanta Humane Society, Bulloch County Animal Control, Emanuel County Animal Control, Georgia Department of Agriculture and Metter Animal Control and Metter Fire Rescue Department on the operation.
"It is our duty to protect animals from abuse and neglect," said Colleton County Sheriff John Miles. "This office is committed to ensuring the welfare of all living creatures in our community and holding those responsible for cruelty accountable."