Full Breakdown
Disturbing Animal Cruelty Case Unfolds in Gwinnett County, Georgia
12/24/2025, 11:25:24 PM
Investigation and Arrests
Two women, Christine Abbott, 67, and Donna Slavin, 65, from Snellville, Georgia, have been arrested following a disturbing animal cruelty investigation that revealed horrific conditions at their home. The investigation began on September 17, when Gwinnett County Animal Control requested police assistance regarding allegations of animal cruelty at their residence on Britt Drive. Upon searching the property, authorities discovered 25 living dogs and 13 deceased dogs stored in plastic bags within three refrigerators. Many of the surviving dogs were found malnourished, underweight, and confined in small cages filled with feces and urine, leading police to describe the scene as "deplorable" and "horrific."
Charges Filed
As a result of the investigation, Abbott and Slavin face a total of 26 charges related to animal cruelty, which include 12 felony counts and 14 misdemeanor counts. The women were taken into custody on December 8, 2025, and are currently held at the Gwinnett County Jail on a $16,000 bond each. It remains unclear whether either woman has a history of prior animal cruelty complaints or convictions. The surviving dogs are now under the care of the county animal shelter, where they are receiving necessary medical attention.
Community Reactions
Local residents expressed shock and disbelief at the conditions uncovered during the investigation. Ronnie Hall, a neighbor, noted that he had heard barking from the property for years and had considered reporting it but ultimately decided against it. "I guess you trust your gut. If something doesn’t seem right or feel right, I guess maybe you should act on it," he remarked. Another neighbor, Cheryl Huff, described the situation as "awful" and "sad," emphasizing her love for animals.
Official Statements
Gwinnett County Police Department Cpl. Angela Carter stated, “It was definitely deplorable conditions... horrific for the animals and even for any human being living in that residence.” The police have not disclosed how long the dogs were kept in such conditions or the duration of the alleged abuse.
What's Next
The case is ongoing, with further investigations likely to follow as authorities continue to assess the situation. The community remains vigilant, reflecting on the importance of reporting suspected animal cruelty to prevent similar incidents in the future.
