A Guyton woman wanted by the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office in an investigation of animal cruelty turned herself in late Wednesday night.
A warrant had been issued for the arrest of Jennifer Scruggs, 37, on charges of cruelty to animals, abandonment of animals and improper disposal of dead animals, said ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor.
The investigation began Tuesday afternoon when deputies were called to a home in the 400 block of Highway 17 near Guyton. Witnesses said the residence had been abandoned for at least two weeks and there were no signs of the homeowner, according to Ehsanipoor.
"Deputies could detect the smell of the deceased animals prior to entering the residence," Ehsanipoor said.
Deputies even had use respirators as they investigated the home.
Once inside, the deputies found four dead animals — three cats and a rabbit. They located 22 live animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles and birds.
"The conditions were deplorable," Ehsanipoor said. "There was urine and fecal matter everywhere, and the animals were left with no food or water. Some animals were malnourished, and we believe some may have cannibalized others."
The surviving animals were taken to the Effingham County Animal Shelter.
"They are being treated and hopefully they will be adopted out" once they are healthy enough, Ehsanipoor said.
Additional charges against Scruggs are expected, Ehsanipoor said. Another warrant was already out for Scruggs, on a charge of failure to appear in court.