A cardiologist pleaded guilty Friday in an animal cruelty case in which he hoarded hundreds of birds, some which were dead, the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.
Abhay Trivedi was sentenced to seven years on probation nearly two years after authorities raided his Echo Trail home in Atlanta and found the dead birds.
DeKalb police raided Trivedi’s home after receiving an anonymous complaint that that he was hoarding birds that were in various states of malnutrition and dehydration, DeKalb district attorney spokeswoman Yvette Jones said in the release.
Officers found more than 400 birds and eight dogs in the home in the July 13, 2016 raid, Channel 2 Action News reported at the time. Police said it is one of the worst cases of animal hoarding they have seen.
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“Due to the unsanitary conditions of the home, animal control officers were forced to wear hazmat gear during their inspection,” Jones said. “Chemical testing revealed near toxic ammonia levels due to the amount of animal feces and urine inside the home.”
More than a dozen chickens and four dogs were also found inside the home. Many of the birds were left dead in cages or suffered from various states of dehydration and malnutrition, Jones said.
The rescued animals were taken to Lifeline Animal Project of DeKalb County for housing and care, officials said.
In addition to probation, Trivedi must also pay more than $59,000 in restitution to Lifeline Animal Project for housing and medical costs associated with the animals. Trivedi is also prohibited from possessing any animals and must submit to mental health evaluation and treatment as part of his plea agreement.
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