A Young Harris man was arrested on cruelty to animal charges following an investigation by the Towns County Sheriff's Office in early January.
A Facebook post from the department said an investigation began on Jan. 6 after the it received complaints of animal cruelty at a home on Old Chicken Farm Rd. Authorities reportedly found that several cats were living in “deplorable” conditions, with many covered in feces and with matted fur.
Laneau Hayes, 75, was arrested and charged with misdemeanor, cruelty to animals in the case.
TCSO did not disclose how many cats were found at the residence, but said all cats were turned over to the Whiskers Project and The Mountain Shelter Humane Society.
