Deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Division responded on October 23 to 745 Giles Road in Axton, after receiving a 911 call about the welfare of several dogs on the property.
When deputies got to the scene, they saw a large brown and white horse running loose in nearby yards and along the road. The horse led deputies to a garage and small barn area. Around the buildings, deputies found several goats, roosters, and four Great Pyrenees dogs.
Deputies checked on the animals and alleged that all four dogs were in poor condition. Two of the dogs were very thin, with ribs and tailbones showing and skin sores likely caused by fighting. A third dog was found lying on the ground with severe hair loss, open sores, and no shelter. None of the dogs had clean water or proper care, authorities alleged. Several of the goats were also very thin, and four appeared to be pregnant.
Deputies assisted a local veterinarian who was called to the scene to check the animals. The veterinarian confirmed that the dogs were underweight and suffering from skin problems, that the goats were in poor condition, and that four cats on the property allegedly were also thin and needed care. Deputies and the veterinarian also found 28 roosters tied to blue barrels with no water provided. Several roosters had sharpened spurs and visible injuries. Deputies found supplements and other items that appeared to be related to the mistreatment of birds.
Because of what was found, deputies obtained a search warrant for the property. When they searched the home and surrounding buildings, deputies found 73 knives, leg tape, gaffs, and other materials that appeared to be used in connection with the mistreatment of animals.
Lucio Gomez Garcia was charged with 28 counts of animal cruelty, and animal fighting. Garcia is currently in custody at the Henry County Adult Detention Center with no bond.
On October 25, as deputies continued to remove animals from the property, they found 11 more knives and 15 more roosters that allegedly had been hidden in the back area of the property. The suspect will face additional animal cruelty charges related to those birds.
“This was a heartbreaking scene of neglect and cruelty,” Sheriff Wayne Davis said. “Our Animal Control deputies, investigators, and veterinarian partners worked together to make sure these animals were removed from harm and are now getting the care they need. We will continue to take every case of animal abuse seriously and make sure those responsible are held accountable.”
This investigation is ongoing, and additional charges related to animal cruelty and neglect are pending. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crime Stoppers at (276) 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). Information leading to an arrest and conviction may be eligible for a cash reward.
