38 dogs seized after police impersonation arrest
Hampton, GA (US)Incident Date: Thursday, Jul 28, 2011
County: Henry
Charges: Misdemeanor
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Gerry M. Hobby
Hampton police said one crime quickly turned into 36 more when they went to a Henry County man's home.
Officers say Gerry M. Hobby was wanted on suspicion of impersonating a law enforcement officer at Fred's Pharmacy.
A pharmacist says Hobby demanded that one of his prescriptions be filled early and when they wouldn't do it, Hobby pulled out a fake badge, according to police.
When investigators arrived at Hobby's home to arrest him, they found 38 dogs living in deplorable conditions.
The dogs are all now at the Henry County Animal Shelter where they are overwhelmed with animals.
"We weren't expecting 38 in one day!" said Gerry Yoder of the shelter. Several of the dogs are emaciated and don't have any teeth. Most of them though are ready to go to a new home.
Channel 2's Craig Lucie stopped by Hobby's home where he has been since bonding out of jail on the impersonating an officer charge. Police say they are trying to upgrade his 36 animal cruelty charges from misdemeanors to felonies.
Animal Control officers say his home reeked.
"The floors in the house were deplorable from the urine and feces," said shelter supervisor Vince Farah.
Some officers said they had to walk close to the walls since the floors were saturated in urine and may cave in.
Lucie also spoke to neighbors who say they knew Hobby had two dogs that had nine puppies.
But neighbors say they never saw them outside and didn't know about the dozens of other dogs.
"We were shocked. We didn't have a clue. Nobody had a clue," said Hampton resident Sarah Campbell.
The Henry County Animal Shelter is now hoping you can help.
"Anytime people want to come down and take a look and adopt, we would be thrilled," said Yoder.
If you would like to take one of the 38 dogs home, you can call 770-288-PETS. References |
