Baldwin County (February 21, 2023) – Animal control officers contacted sheriff’s deputies after locating the decomposing bodies of two dogs tied to a tree at a Thompson Circle home. Neighbors say they were afraid of the dogs’ owner and tried to feed the neglected dogs before their deaths.
The owner of the dogs, Douglas Patel Jones, 33, admitted to animal control officers that he and his partner, Danielle Griffin, were responsible for the dogs tied to the tree and were aware of their condition. The officer said the dogs appeared to have been deceased for some time and were in a state of decomposition.
Animal control officers spoke with Jones in person. Witnesses also provided statements to deputies, confirming Jones and Griffin kept the dogs tied to the tree where the bodies were found and did not feed or care for the dogs regularly.
Warrants were issued from the sheriff’s office for Jones and Baldwin. Jones was booked into the Baldwin County Jail on March 5 and charged with aggravated animal cruelty. Griffin has also been charged with felony animal cruelty.
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On 03-02-23, I responded to [100 BLOCK] Thompson Circle to meet with Animal Control, in reference to animal cruelty.
Upon arrival, I made contact with (AC 3) [WITNESS #1], who presented evidence of animal abuse at the residence of [100 BLOCK] Thompson Circle. Douglas Jones and Danielle Griffin reside at said address.
[WITNESS #1] stated she went to the residence after receiving multiple calls to do a welfare check on several dogs.
[WITNESS #1] stated on 02-21-23, she discovered two deceased dogs chained to a tree next to the residence. [WITNESS #1] stated the dogs had been deceased for some time and were in a state of decomposition.
[WITNESS #1] stated both dogs were chained to a tree on the property at the time she found them. [WITNESS #1] stated one dog was behind the doghouse and one was in front of the doghouse. [WITNESS #1] stated neighbors informed her prior to the dogs death, they would try to feed the dogs. Neighbors in the area informed [WITNESS #1] they were mostly afraid of Douglas, the owner of the dogs.
[WITNESS #1] stated she spoke to Douglas Jones in person, while she had assistant solicitor [REDACTED], listening on the phone. [WITNESS #1] stated with [REDACTED] listening via telephone, Douglas admitted to living at the residence and the dogs being chained to the tree. Danielle Griffin also lived at said residence, and also neglected the dogs by failing to feed and or care for them daily.
[WITNESS #1] stated upon concluding her interview of Douglas, she was advised by [REDACTED] to contact the Sheriff’s Office to pursue charges. [WITNESS #1] provided a witness statement that will be placed in records.
One state warrant will be secured for Douglas Jones for Animal Cruelty (F). One state warrant will be secured for Danielle Griffin for Animal Cruelty (F).
[End of Narrative]
