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Rincon couple charged in animal cruelty case
henry george
George Henry

Two people have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after Effingham County Sheriff’s deputies found several cats, dogs and deceased cats at a Rincon home.

The Effingham County Sheriff’s Office Humane Enforcement Division responded to 104 Oak St. in Rincon after receiving a tip that several animals were not being cared for.

Susan McCormick, 57, of Rincon, was charged with animal cruelty. George Henry Jr., 52, of Rincon, was arrested by Effingham County deputies at the residence late Wednesday evening and also charged with cruelty to animals. Both he and McCormick have been released from the Effingham County Jail on $1,800 bond.

According to ECSO reports, when deputies arrived, they located approximately 24 cats in the yard and on the roof of the residence. Two deceased cats, which were decomposed, also were on the property.

"Neighbors said she had dozens of cats and dogs in the yard," said ECSO spokesman Detective David Ehsanipoor.

After a search of the residence, deputies located additional cats and dogs living in filthy and unsanitary conditions. There were feces throughout the the residence and the conditions were deplorable, according to the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office.

Many of the animals were taken to the Effingham County animal shelter and others, including most of the dogs, were taken to Rice Hope Animal Hospital. Ehsanipoor said some, but not all, of the cats appeared to be emaciated.

Additional charges may be forthcoming as this is an ongoing investigation.