Bartow County authorities have arrested a local couple on multiple counts of animal cruelty after discovering dogs living in horrific conditions at their home.

On April 24, 2026, a Bartow County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to Alisha Circle to assist Animal Control following a complaint about a strong smell and possible abuse. An Animal Control Officer had already arrived and documented shocking scenes inside outdoor kennels.

Officers found six dogs confined in large wooden kennels divided into sections. The animals stood amid massive piles of feces and urine that had accumulated over time. Many dogs appeared dirty and unkempt, with overgrown nails that had begun to curl and distort from lack of trimming. Food lay scattered on the filthy floors in some kennels, contaminated with waste. One brindle-colored cane corso-type dog showed severe emaciation — visible hip and rib bones, a sunken stomach, and unsteadiness that left her barely able to stand. Officers described her condition as the most critical, rising to the level of aggravated cruelty.

Inside one kennel, officers observed skeletonized remains of at least one dog, complete with fur still attached. A second set of skeletal remains lay near a tree in the yard. A clear plastic bag held additional fur and bones that the male suspect had removed before deputies arrived. The overwhelming odor of feces and urine lingered on officers’ clothing even after brief exposure outside the kennels.

44-year-old Lindsey Elie Campbell Jr. of Atlanta and his wife, 39-year-old Vinyetta Jerline Campbell of Bartow County, offered explanations that investigators quickly challenged. Lindsey claimed recent hospitalization for heart issues prevented proper cleaning and said he had purchased the kennel containing the remains from Facebook Marketplace only days earlier, inheriting the mess from the previous owner, who supposedly kept chickens and raccoons inside. Records showed his last hospital visit was weeks earlier, on March 24, for just a few hours. Animal Control photos from April 2 and 9 confirmed the kennel had already been on the property weeks before his claimed purchase date. Facebook messages he showed dated back to October 2025 and referred to a different indoor-style kennel.

During the investigation, Lindsey told officers he had not lived full-time at the residence for about seven months after an infidelity incident and primarily visited to care for the dogs, while placing the main responsibility on Vinyetta. Both maintained legal ownership and control over the animals as a married couple. Vinyetta arrived later and cooperated minimally with Animal Control, initially reluctant to surrender a Yorkshire terrier-type dog she said belonged to her mother. Officers also discovered an unreported bull terrier-type dog inside the house.

Animal Control removed eight living dogs total — six from the outdoor kennels and two from inside the residence. The two indoor dogs appeared healthier and faced no charges related to their care. Officers recovered a total of six deceased skeletal remains at the scene. However, they filed no charges on those at this time, citing uncertainty over ownership timelines.

The deputy placed Lindsey under arrest at the scene for cruelty to animals. He later complained of chest pains, but paramedics with Metro EMS cleared him of any immediate cardiac emergency. Deputies arrested Vinyetta shortly afterward. Authorities transported both to the Bartow County Jail.

The Bartow County Sheriff’s Office charged Lindsey and Vinyetta each with one count of aggravated cruelty to animals and five counts of cruelty to animals under Georgia law. They filed no additional charges for the deceased animals pending further investigation.

Residents who suspect animal neglect or abuse should contact Bartow County Animal Control or the Sheriff’s Office immediately.