Man charged over dead, starving animals in Screven County

A Screven County man was charged with cruelty to animals after complaints from the public.
Published: Jan. 12, 2025 at 8:16 PM EST|Updated: Jan. 13, 2025 at 10:25 AM EST
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SYLVANIA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A man was charged with cruelty to animals after complaints from the public in Sylvania, according to authorities.

Jonathan Roberts, 73, was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, animal neglect and abandonment of a dead animal after the Screven County Sheriff’s Office got complaints about the livestock.

Deputies say during an investigation on Jenk Hill Road they found dead animals within sight of the road.

A search warrant was obtained where deputies found two dead cows along with malnourished goats and cows, authorities said.

Deputies say they got assistance from local animal control, a veterinarian, and a Department of Agriculture inspector.

It was determined that Roberts failed to provide adequate food or water to the animals, officials say.

Additional dead cows were on the property and left to rot where they died, according to deputies.

The remaining livestock were taken to another location where they will be properly cared for.