DOUGLAS, Ga. (WALB) - A Douglas man has been arrested for animal cruelty, after officials found several dogs living in filthy conditions.

According to Douglas Now, on March 4, 2025, a deputy responded to an animal cruelty call in Douglas, Georgia, where he discovered eight small dogs living in horrific conditions. The dogs were found in an old house on Elzie Anderson Road, surrounded by piles of feces, urine, and trash.

According to a report from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the deputy arrived at the home around 4 p.m. and could hear multiple dogs inside. The strong odor of urine and feces could be smelled from outside the house. Upon entering with permission from the homeowner, the deputy and animal control officers found the dogs living in terrible conditions.

The floors of the home were covered in at least a foot of trash, and all the windows were closed. The report described the smell as “rancid.” While the dogs appeared to be malnourished, they seemed to have been fed and watered.

The homeowner told officials that his son, Shane Tanner Jr., 27, had been paid to care for the animals but had failed to provide proper care. Tanner reportedly never took the dogs outside and neglected to clean up after them.

Animal control removed the dogs from the home, and they will be placed for adoption.

Tanner was arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. He was transported to the Coffee County Jail and later released on bond.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2025 WALB. All rights reserved.