Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Warrants issued for pet sitter accused of leaving dogs to starve to death

Lucky was down to skin and bones by the time he was discovered at an empty house in Smyrna. Photo: courtesy Justine Stinnett
Lucky was down to skin and bones by the time he was discovered at an empty house in Smyrna. Photo: courtesy Justine Stinnett
By Raisa Habersham
June 2, 2017

A pet sitter accused of leaving to two dogs to starve to death faces neglect and animal cruelty charges, Cobb County police confirmed Thursday.

MORE: Starving Smyrna dog prompts social media uproar

Ashley Marie Davis left the two dogs, Lucky and Simpson, locked in a Smyrna home in December, police said. The blind American bulldog mix Simpson and the bare-boned Lucky were found by pet rescue advocate Justine Stinnett, who posted the discovery onto Instagram.

The post was shared nearly 67,000 times on Facebook, leading users to donate more than $15,000 to veterinary costs.

In a December interview, Stinnett said Davis moved to Tennessee and left the dogs to starve at the home. Davis’ whereabouts were not known late Thursday.

She faces two counts each of aggravated cruelty to animals and abandonment of a domesticated animal.

In other news:

Police canvassed the neighborhood around Oakland City Park, asking neighbors if they had any information.

About the Author

Raisa Habersham is the Intown Atlanta hyperlocal reporter for The Atlanta-Journal Constitution.

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