Georgia man indicted after 16 dogs found dead in his home

A Georgia man has been indicted on charges of animal cruelty after 16 dogs were found dead in a home.

The home, which is located in Oglethorpe County, was the home of the now-defendant before he was evicted. The dogs were discovered August 11 of this year, but it is not currently known how the dogs died.

36-year-old David Casique Ortiz has been charged with 16 felony counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, but law enforcement officials are currently unaware of his whereabouts. The indictment, which was released by the Athens Banner-Herald alleges that Ortiz “maliciously” caused the death of the dogs.

The indictment, however, alleges that Ortiz “did maliciously cause the death” of the dogs by “means unknown.”

Sheriff’s Capt. Mike Tyndell of the Oglethorpe County Sheriff’s Office said authorities believe Ortiz is still in Georgia but he does have ties to Florida.