Georgia Animal Rescue & Defence, Inc - Pembroke, Georgia

Rachel B.

Went to this shelter and saw animals living in deplorable conditions. Filthy and exposed to the conditions. I adopted a dog from there who was so traumatized that years later she still flinches when people reach out to her. They claimed to have treated her with heartworms but had not. She was infested with them. This place should be shut down and these poor animals placed in a safe home or shelter.

Tanya N.

As a pet owner and knowing that adoptions are for a life time. I was very hesitant and cautious when considering adoption again. I didn't plan on going home with new fur baby when I walked into Pet Smart, However; life has a funny way of deciding otherwise. The animals looked like they were very well taken care of and eager to go to a new home. The GARD team was on hand to ask any questions I had and made it really easy to adopt. the process was really smooth. Winston was seen at the vet and was healthy for a 12 week old mix breed. The only concern we had is his paperwork says many breeds from Lab to border collie mix. I understand it's hard to determine specific breeds in rescues but we didn't know where to start. I wish we had more information regarding where he was rescued? How? when? does he have siblings?...ect

Kathleen S.

We and friends have adopted happy, successful dogs. If you do what Joy does, you can't always respond in 2 seconds. Sometimes, you have to err on the side of a good fit for dogs and always 'customer service'. Dogs are not property to buy and sell. They are animals and potential best friends when there is a great fit. As far as I can see, Joy does incredible work in tough situations for pets where humans have not been shining. So, y'all put some grace on your requests. We did. We were greatly rewarded. We travel to work with her!!

Matthew M.

Let me just start it by saying that Kim is the most honest person i have talked to about adopting a puppy ! She not only makes sure that you’re a perfect fit for the puppy, but she makes sure you will have everything you need to start your new life with the pup! Kim knew my wife and i were interested in adopting a puppy and after talking to many scammers on fb she found us the right puppy and we now added our third pup to the pack and we couldn’t be happier ! He is the sweetest boy ever! If you ever are looking for a dog, rescue with Kim !!!
They have been very responsive and helpful through this whole process..

Valerie C.

Those conditions break my heart! My poodle comes from that rescue but I picked her up at a Petsmart in Pooler on Nov 8, 2020. My baby was supposed to be 3 or 4 years old and heart worm positive but turned out to be around 10, according to my vet, and also have other infections. When I picked her up, she was the only dirty filthy dog. She was so sad, timid but yet so gentle that no matter what, I had to get her out of there. She tested positive for heart worm on 8/13/2020 but they waited until 2 days before I picked her up to start the treatment which was 3 months later!!!! For the past month and a half we have been treating her, pampering her, loving her and she is slowly blossoming. We cannot imagine life without her but we are very angry at the situation she was in. No animal deserve this! NOTE PICTURE TAKEN ON DAY OF ADOPTION AFTER 2 BATHS! How can this be allowed!

Amanda B.

It’s amazing what someone can find out about someone on a simple google search. Please be advised, read all pictures below. Do your research before going though this “rescue” group. There is a deep dark history with the owner, it may not come as a surprise to many. But do yourself and your family a favor and go to a reputable rescue group. This owner needs to be shut down.
Public record at its finest.

This owner was placed on a do not adopt list, found guilty of many animal related crimes, and fined several times in NJ. Her company is mentioned several times in the reports below.

Marilyn

I have known Joy Bohannon since 2011, when I adopted my beloved dog Cinnamon. She and her group are the most caring and compassionate group of people. They put care and treatment of their animals first, working tirelessly to find homes for all their animals. Although I am in New Jersey, I will always adopt from GARD.

jessica T.

I am appalled that 70 animals remain where a local woman was charged with for aggravated cruelty to animals and ordered to stop taking in animals at Georgia Animal Rescue & Defence Inc.

Eyewitness accounts and the offender’s known history indicate a hoarding situation, and people who hoard animals have a nearly 100% chance of repeating the behavior. This offender is allegedly preventing real rescuers from helping certain animals and has reportedly claimed to have “put some dogs down” recently, which was surely not done humanely in accordance with Georgia law.

Please urge local law enforcement to secure a warrant to conduct a search and seize all animals on the property immediately.

Allowing them to continue suffering is unjust.

Thank you.