Trenton, GA – A major animal cruelty investigation in Trenton has renewed calls for a joint city-county animal control effort, following the shocking discovery of more than 250 animals in deplorable conditions at a local home.
On July 1, agents with the Georgia Department of Agriculture raided a residence at 181 Sells Lane, uncovering what officials described as a long-running “puppy mill” operation hidden in plain sight for over a decade. The home was littered with trash and animal waste, with 256 animals—primarily dogs—rescued from the scene.
Nathaniel Levon Curington, 44, and Aimee Renee Curington, 45, both of Trenton, were arrested by Dade County deputies and charged with seven felony counts of animal cruelty. Investigators believe the charges stem from the number of deceased animals found on the property.
At Monday’s city commission meeting, Trenton Mayor Alex Case refrained from discussing the case in detail due to the ongoing investigation. However, he expressed deep concern and urged city leaders to take action. He called on commissioners to review proposed updates to animal control ordinances and support the creation of the Trenton-Dade Animal Center (TDAC).
“I made a promise to myself that day—something like this cannot happen again in Trenton,” said Mayor Case, who visited the scene alongside Trenton Police Chief Steve Beaudoin. “I can’t imagine what the neighbors have endured living next to that.”
Interim TDAC Director Emily Richards praised the mayor and local officials for their involvement and said the community response has been encouraging.
“I want to see this momentum continue,” Richards said. She noted the TDAC proposal is being modeled after the Athens-Clarke County system and stressed the need for consistent policies and updated user fees. For example, she said it currently costs $25 to reclaim a loose dog, while re-adopting the same animal costs just $20.
All animals rescued from Sells Lane were transferred to regional rescue groups for treatment and possible adoption. Processing the scene took more than 14 hours.