MURRAY COUNTY, Ga. – A Murray County couple is facing a staggering 165 combined counts of animal cruelty following the discovery of more than 80 dogs—both dead and alive—at a property in Chatsworth.
On January 21, 2025, a sheriff’s deputy responded to a home on Royal Oak Drive after animal control officers requested backup. Upon arrival, officials encountered overwhelming signs of animal neglect, including the sound of barking dogs and the stench of decay coming from the property.
Pauline Rogers, who was at the scene, told authorities that her husband, Mark Eugene Rogers, had abandoned her and the animals after winning the lottery, damaging her vehicle in the process. She claimed that some of the dogs died from parvovirus or injuries from fighting and said she didn’t contact animal control sooner out of fear they would euthanize the animals.
Animal control discovered 13 deceased dogs on the property, including several on the porch and one in a black trash bag. More were found in various locations, including near a burn pile and in a bucket inside the home. Many of the approximately 70 living dogs were found malnourished, covered in urine and feces, and confined in unsanitary conditions. The interior of the trailer was described as overwhelming, with floors caked in feces and a strong ammonia odor.
Investigators learned that Pauline and Mark Rogers were both involved in the care of the animals, though Pauline claimed she was left alone to manage the deteriorating situation. In a phone call with deputies, Mark admitted to being aware of the dogs’ conditions but claimed he could not bury the dead animals due to frozen ground. He also alleged efforts had been made to rehome the dogs, though no evidence was provided at the time.
Authorities later arrested Pauline on 83 counts of animal cruelty. Four days later, Mark was also taken into custody and charged with 82 counts—one less because he was unaware of a black and white dog recently discovered dead inside the home.
During the investigation, Pauline’s sister and son alleged that Mark had been abusive for years. Her sister claimed Mark had knocked out Pauline’s teeth and abandoned her frequently while he pursued relationships with other women. The sister also told deputies that Pauline wore clothing to cover bruises caused by domestic violence.
Animal control officers are continuing to assess the health and condition of the surviving dogs. Both Mark and Pauline Rogers are being held at the Murray County Jail as the case proceeds through the court system.
