Georgia mom, daughter charged after puppy mill discovery; 43 dogs rescued, 1 found dead

Lynda Susan Cummings (left) and Brandi Louise Marzka face dozens of charges after 44 neglected dogs were found in Monroe County.

Lynda Susan Cummings (left) and Brandi Louise Marzka face dozens of charges after 44 neglected dogs were found in Monroe County.

Two women face dozens of charges after authorities found more than 40 neglected dogs living in “deplorable conditions” in Monroe County, authorities said.

Lynda Susan Cummings and her daughter, Brandi Louise Marzka, were arrested Monday after the puppy mill was discovered on Unionville Road in unincorporated Barnesville, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

A tip led deputies to the property. Cummings, who owned the animals, was contacted by deputies, and she surrendered all of the animals to the sheriff’s office, the release said.

One Maltipoo puppy was found dead, and 43 other Maltipoo dogs were taken in by the Atlanta Humane Society.

Dozens of Maltipoo dogs were found living in “deplorable conditions.”

Credit: Atlanta Human Society

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Credit: Atlanta Human Society

The organization previously told AJC.com that seven dogs were missing their bottom jaws due to years of neglected dental care. Several others, including a mother with day-old puppies, were extremely matted, while others had skin or eye issues.

RELATED: 44 dogs rescued from 'extremely neglectful conditions' in Middle Georgia puppy mill

Many of the dogs will need “extensive medical care and long-term foster care before they are ready for adoption,” the humane society said.

The puppy mill was discovered on Unionville Road.

Credit: Atlanta Humane Society

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Credit: Atlanta Humane Society

Cummings was charged with seven counts of maliciously causing physical harm to an animal by serious disfigurement and one count of maliciously causing the death of an animal, which are both felonies. The women also each face 36 counts of animal neglect, which is a misdemeanor.

Both were booked into the Monroe County jail.

In other news:

Mercedes Chico-Sims would've been 18 years old Tuesday. Her body was found at the Atlantic Newtown apartments off Nesbit Ferry Road on May 29. Police said a maintenance worker found her body by the pool and there were "obvious signs of trauma."