The identities of the Athens couple charged with 38 counts of cruelty of animals revealed in arrest reports.
According to Athens Police, 75-year-old Larry Dale Moore and 73-year-old Rhonda Simmons Moore turned themselves in to the Athens Police Department Wednesday.
On March 31, officers with Athens Police executed a search warrant to address an alleged commercial dog breeding operation on Lindsay Lane after receiving a call about an odor emanating from a residence.
Police say an officer responded to the initial call, finding numerous dogs living in squalid conditions without access to proper veterinary care.
With assistance from Dr. Elisabeth O’Connor and Dr. Jorge Acosta at the Limestone Veterinary Clinic, police were able to successfully remove the dogs from the residence.
A comprehensive investigation conducted by Athens police led to the previously mentioned arrests, with the man and woman each charged with 38 counts pertaining to animal cruelty and neglect.
Police say the investigation suggested the couple had allegedly been operating the large-scale dog breeding operation for an extended period of time.
The couple's bond has been set at $38,000.
“This was a terrible situation that we do not tolerate here in our community," said Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks. "We took immediate steps to remedy this situation. We are so proud of the work that has been done by both the Athens Police Department and the Limestone Veterinary Clinic here in Athens.”
“These were very bad living conditions for these animals to live in," said Athens Police Chief Anthony Pressnell. "The Athens Police Department is committed to protecting all of the members of our community – including animals. This was a very bad situation, and we will continue to work to ensure that those responsible for any kind of animal abuse are held accountable.”
This is still an ongoing investigation.
The Limestone Veterinary Clinic is working to get each dog ready to be rescued by foster families. According to O’Connor, the animals will not be ready to be adopted until next week. There is a process to fill out an application online at
