CATOOSA COUNTY, Ga. (WDEF) — A Catoosa County couple has been arrested and is being charged with multiple counts of aggravated animal cruelty.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, a concerned citizen contacted Catoosa County officers about several cats in poor condition outside a residence on Saunders Road.
Upon arrival, officers found several the cats in what they described as “deplorable” conditions inside the residence.
Some of the cats and kittens were taken to a local animal shelter.
Officers returned the following day to remove additional cats.
“We had to suit up in full safety gear inside the home, with hazmat suits, respirators, boots, and gloves because of the horrible conditions inside. The house is full of trash, feces, urine, and a heavy odor of ammonia.”
-Catoosa County Animal Control Senior Officer Samuel Stephenson
According to Catoosa County, the recovered cats and kittens were euthanized due to extremely poor physical condition.
There were also several dead kittens found inside and outside the residence.
“The cats were in horrible condition with signs of in-breeding, with dead kittens inside and dead kittens outside on the front porch, which is what led us to charge the couple with aggravated animal cruelty charges. We asked Mr. Petty if there was any food for the animals, but we could not find anything inside other than empty food bags, and an unopened bag of food in a vehicle outside.”
-Catoosa County Animal Control Officer Matthew Trusley
On July 14, Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office charged Valerie Jo Lindon and Brent Clifford Petty with multiple counts of aggravated cruelty to animals.
Both were taken to the Catoosa County Jail where they await a court hearing.
Catoosa County Planning & Zoning representatives have since condemned the residence.
Catoosa County says this is due to clutter and unsanitary conditions that are unfit for human habitation.
