A Grovetown woman was arrested Friday for animal cruelty after the gruesome discovery of 14 dead dogs scattered throughout her abandoned home.
A concerned neighbor’s call Thursday to the sheriff’s office led to the discovery of a gruesome scene at 2064 Magnolia Parkway. The neighbor expressed her worry about not seeing Margaret Nevils or any activity at the residence since October 2023, according to a report. Authorities say Nevils had been staying with a friend elsewhere in Columbia County.
Responding deputies encountered a nightmarish scenario within the property. The initial assessment revealed a residence in deplorable conditions, with floors covered in animal feces, furniture destroyed, and an emaciated pitbull left to fend for itself. Animal Services were immediately summoned to address the welfare of the distressed dog.
However, the most disturbing revelation came when Deputy Moseley and his team forced entry into the residence due to the absence of any response from the homeowner. Inside, they discovered a horrifying scene — multiple bags in the fridge and freezer containing the carcasses of 11 dogs. In the freezer, there was one full-size dog with seven puppies, sheriff’s Maj. Steve Morris said. Three were in the fridge section.
Further exploration of the locked bedrooms uncovered even more distressing details. The master bedroom revealed three deceased dogs in varying stages of decomposition, while the spare bedroom contained empty dog cages and shredded furniture.
“I also noticed that the walls had holes chewed through them where the pit bull had been chewing,” the report says. “The pit bull had chewed through the kitchen wall to the garage as well.”
In a stark contrast, the last bedroom contained belongings indicative of a child or teenager, deepening the mystery. “No human remains were located on the property,” the sheriff’s report says.
Sgt. Bultman, Deputy Moseley, and Investigator Bonsack proceeded with the investigation, with Officer Csira from Animal Services playing a crucial role in addressing the animal cruelty aspect.
“She worked in Richmond County, and we questioned her,” Maj. Morris said. “She was involved in some adoption service. That is still under in investigation. She stated she became overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do, and she abandoned the dogs.”
Investigator Bonsack has taken charge of the case and arrested Nevils at her real estate office in Richmond County on Friday morning, charging her with one felony count of animal cruelty. She is free on a $5,000 bond.
The pit bull is expected to survive and make a full recovery, Maj. Morris said.
