Animals suffered in care of former member of DeKalb rescue group

In Decatur, Georgia, the rescue community is shocked and horrified that animals from a DeKalb rescue group had been subjected to the conditions and lack of care investigators found recently when they entered a longtime animal rescuer affiliated with the non profit group Friends of DeKalb Animals.  According to Fox Atlanta, the animals suffered in the care of  Aaron Thompson, who now faces one felony count of animal cruelty.

Thompson and his former girlfriend, Chrissy Kaczynski had been caring for animals for over ten years, but when the couple split up in October, they allegedly agreed to split the animals in their collective care. Chrissy is reported to have taken six dogs, and Thompson was left to care for a dozen pets including a pot belly pig; the animals living between two houses across the street from each other.

A month later, DeKalb County received tips about abused animals, and when they investigated discovered one dead dog  and others in “emaciated” condition with their “ribs, hip bones clearly visible.” Thompson has stated he is ill and blames Kaczynski for leaving too many dogs with him – contending they were her dogs anyway. A neighbor tried to help Thompson because of the man’s declining health. His pet pig named Charlotte was found in terrible conditions with little food or shelter.

Since the news broke about the situation, the DeKalg rescue group posted on their Facebook page, the animals, including two long-term foster dogs, were left in the care of the board member who has resigned and no longer has any connection, affiliation, or role with Friends of Dekalb Animals.

“We want to assure you, this situation in no way reflects our commitment to the animals in our care. As soon as we were made aware of the situation, we immediately made arrangements to claim the two dogs in question, and provide a safe environment for them. These dogs have have been seen by professionals and subsequently evaluated for mental and physical well-being. FODA is an organization committed to saving abandoned and abused animals, we are horrified that any animals would be subjected to the conditions and lack of care that are outlined in this story. We are also saddened that this happened with two people whom we previously trusted completely.”

(Photo of DeKalb rescue group animal neglect screenshot Fox Atlanta)

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