PETITION: Hundreds of Dogs Suffered in Squalor While Their Owners Slept in the Car—A Disturbing Case of Hoarding
COWETA COUNTY, GA. – Authorities in Coweta County have seized more than 150 dogs from a home where conditions were described as unlivable, with animals found inside vehicles, outdoor pens, and throughout the residence. The property owners, John and Paula Palm, were reportedly living in their car outside the home, which was discovered to be filled with several inches of accumulated feces.
Sign the petition to demand justice for these cruelly neglected dogs!
The investigation began after officials received a tip about potential animal neglect. Upon arrival, they uncovered a harrowing scene—dogs confined in overcrowded spaces, some in deteriorating health, and others who tragically did not survive.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
Following the seizure, the dogs were placed with various rescue organizations for rehabilitation and adoption. Royal Animal Refuge in Fayette County took in 14 of the animals and is actively seeking community support for their medical care and adoption. Becky Smith, Director of Royal Animal Refuge, called the case “the worst that I’ve ever seen” but noted that the dogs in their care are in relatively good health and are adjusting well.
“These dogs have been through unimaginable neglect, yet they remain affectionate and eager for attention,” Smith said. Volunteers at the refuge are working on house training and socialization as they prepare the dogs for adoption.
Legal Consequences and Community Response
John and Paula Palm have been charged with felony animal abuse and have since bonded out of jail. Under Georgia law, felony animal abuse can result in fines and jail time, but advocates are calling for stricter penalties, including a lifetime ban on pet ownership for the couple.
As legal proceedings unfold, animal welfare organizations are urging the public to contribute to the ongoing care of the rescued dogs. Donations to Royal Animal Refuge and other shelters involved in the case will help cover medical expenses, including spaying, neutering, and heartworm treatment.
Sign the petition and join us in calling for justice for these poor dogs!
How to Help
Community members looking to support the rescued dogs can donate to Royal Animal Refuge or consider adoption or fostering. The organization is working to place these animals in loving homes where they can recover from their ordeal and begin new lives.
For more information on how to contribute or adopt, visit Royal Animal Refuge’s website.
To continue speaking up, sign these other petitions as well:
- Woman Drowned Her Dog & Dumped Him in Trash Before Boarding Airplane. Now the Public Wants Justice.
- A Doctor Left Her Dog Trapped in a Storage Bin and Moved to Florida—Now the Public Wants Justice
- PETITION: Hundreds of Dogs Suffered in Squalor While Their Owners Slept in the Car—A Disturbing Case of Hoarding
- PETITION: Community Outrage Grows After Tragic Death of Dog at Newark Pet Daycare
- PETITION: New Bill Aims to End Dog Discrimination in Public Housing
