Officials arrest Demorest man after puppy freezes to death in Cornelia

CORNELIA — According to WDUN, a Habersham County man faces a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals after the death of an 8- to 10-week-old puppy on Northwest Wayside Street in Cornelia on Jan. 13.

Bobby Kyle Nelms of Demorest was arrested by Cornelia police and animal control officers on a warrant taken by Habersham County Animal Care and Control (HCACC).

Animal control and police were called to the home about 10:45 p.m. Saturday after someone reported seeing a deceased puppy on the porch.

The puppy was removed from the residence and necropsied by a licensed veterinarian to determine the cause of death which was ruled Hypothermia.

The Habersham County Animal Care and Control staff urges pet owners to use caution in freezing temperatures, and ensure pets that must be left outdoors are provided with adequate shelter; clean; dry bedding; and access to potable water.