Investigators say a Britt Drive home held 25 living dogs and 13 dead animals; charges include 12 felonies and 14 misdemeanors.
SNELLVILLE, Ga. — Two women were taken into custody this week after Gwinnett County officers reported finding malnourished dogs and 13 dead animals in refrigerators at a home outside Snellville, a case police called one of their worst in recent years.
The arrests cap a three-month investigation that began Sept. 17, when animal control asked police to assist with allegations at a residence in the 1900 block of Britt Drive. Search warrants executed soon after led to the seizure of 25 living dogs and the discovery of dead animals stored in plastic bags, authorities said. On Dec. 8, detectives secured 26 warrants for each suspect — 12 felony counts and 14 misdemeanors — after veterinary exams and necropsy reports were completed. Officers arrested the suspects this week and booked them into the Gwinnett County jail as prosecutors review the file.
Police identified the women as Christine Abbott, 67, and Donna Slavin, 65. Investigators said many of the surviving dogs were confined to small cages contaminated by feces and urine and described the animals as underweight and malnourished. Detectives later reported that necropsy findings attributed the deaths to inadequate nutrition. “Horrific for the animals and even for any human being living in that residence,” Cpl. Angela Carter said, adding that some detectives considered the scene among the worst they had witnessed. The dogs were transferred to county custody for treatment and placement decisions.
Neighbors said they had heard frequent barking from the property for years. Ronnie Hall, who lives across the street, recalled seeing animal control personnel in protective suits at the house in September and said he was stunned by the images of cramped cages shown later by authorities. Officials have not disclosed the breeds or ages of the dogs or how long the animals were kept inside the home. The single-story residence sits on Britt Drive in unincorporated Gwinnett east of Snellville, where most houses back onto small wooded lots.
After the September search, detectives worked through veterinary records, photographs and the necropsy results. Police issued a public bulletin earlier in December seeking the two suspects. On Tuesday, officers located Abbott and Slavin and arrested them; both remained jailed as of Wednesday. Bond conditions filed in the case prohibit the women from having any ownership, custody, care, control or contact with animals before the case is resolved. Authorities have not indicated whether other arrests are possible or whether additional properties are being examined.
Georgia law allows felony animal cruelty charges when prosecutors allege aggravated neglect or torture. Convictions can carry prison sentences and fines, while misdemeanor counts can bring up to a year in jail. First-appearance hearings are typically scheduled within days of booking; court dates for Abbott and Slavin were not immediately available. The Gwinnett County District Attorney’s Office is expected to determine how the felony counts proceed to indictment and whether plea offers will be considered once evidence review is complete.
Police said the case remains open as detectives finalize reports and coordinate with animal services on the surviving dogs’ medical care. Officials said further updates will be provided when hearing dates are set and decisions are made about long-term placement for the animals.
Author note: Last updated December 25, 2025.