DADE COUNTY, Ga. — More than 250 animals were rescued from a north Georgia home this month. But one dog’s new owners said she learned its vocal cords had been removed.
Cindy Bice, a Chattanooga, Tenn. attorney, told WTVC that she has always had a deep love for animals. So when she saw Miracle, who was unable to walk or keep her tongue in her mouth, she had to help.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Miracle has improved and is now able to walk, but Bice says her veterinarian told her that, at some point, Miracle’s vocal cords had been removed, rendering her unable to bark.
Nathaniel Levon Curington, 44, and Aimee Renee Curington, 45, were arrested on Wednesday after an investigation into 256 animals found at their home.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture says that each of them faces seven counts of cruelty to animals.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Woman attacked, killed by dogs in Georgia neighborhood
- High school football player leaves behind ‘unfillable void’ after being struck by lightning
- You can now visit former Pres. and first lady Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s burial site
“This is one of the worst cases of animal abuse and neglect we have seen, and I am confident these individuals will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper.
Authorities told Channel 2’s Tom Regan that the dogs, mostly French Bulldogs and Pomeranians, were rescued from what they described as an illegal puppy mill and hoarding situation.
It’s unclear when Miracle’s vocal cords were removed or if other animals in the home also had their vocal cords removed.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
