Owners of Dogs Found Dead Charged With Animal Neglect

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WALESKA, GA -- The owners of two dogs who were found shot to death in January along a northwest Cherokee County road have been charged in connection the case.

Canton residents Brenda Louise Gravely and Sarah Kerstetter have both been charged with two counts each of unrestrained animal, animal neglect/inadequate vet care and no proof of rabies vaccination, the Cherokee County Marshal’s Office said Monday.

“(The) investigation revealed the dogs both suffered from neglect before they were shot and killed, and not cared for in a manner that was humane and proper,” according to the agency.

Chief Marshal Ron Hunton said both residents have been issued citations for violating county ordinances, and both defendants will make an appearance in Cherokee County Magistrate Court.

While the two owners have been charged, the Marshal’s Office reiterated those responsible for the shooting death of the animals have not been identified and it’s still waiting on necropsy and ballistics reports as part of the investigation.

• RELATED: Two Dogs Shot To Death in “Heinous Act”

The grisly discovery was made by a person walking along Friendship Road Jan. 27 near an abandoned home. The dogs, one male and one female, “were on the ground positioned to face each other,” the Marshal’s Office previously told Patch.

The male dog, believed to be between 3 and 5 years of age, had a “crudely made” brace strapped to its front leg with duct tape

“There were obvious signs of trauma to both dogs and (a) subsequent examination of the dogs by an area vet revealed the dogs had both been shot,” the agency added.

The male dog also suffered a puncture wound to the left eye and an object had been inserted into the dog, ripping out a portion of its intestines.

The female dog, about 15-months-old, had also been shot. The dog had recently been spayed, as officers made note of a pink/reddish in color suture that had been used in the operation.

The Marshal’s Office released a photo of the dogs to local media, asking local veterinarians to come forward if they possibly performed the procedure on the female dog. The agency eventually tracked down the owners.

The investigation into the case remains open, and anyone with information is asked to contact Cherokee Marshal’s Office at 678-493-6210.

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Photo: prior booking image of Sarah Kerstetter provided by the Cherokee County Adult Detention Center