A Clarkesville couple accused of running a puppy mill has been ordered to reimburse Habersham County more than $69,000 for the continuous care provided to 29 of their dogs seized in April.
In addition, Clarence and Teresa Bramblett are ordered to pay the county approximately $8,300 per month to continue to care for the dogs until the animals are either forfeited or returned to them.
Details of the court order
Court filings from October 11 state that the court had “previously determined that the impoundment was authorized.” Therefore “it is the duty of the court to determine that amount sufficient to cover all costs of impoundment and care.”
The order from State Court Judge Steve Campbell states that the Brambletts “shall pay into the registry of the court $69,282.85, an amount sufficient to cover costs of impoundment and care for a period beginning as of the date of impoundment and ending 30 days after the date of the order.”
In addition to the lump sum reimbursement, the Brambletts will also be required to deposit $8,317.20 every 30 days thereafter “until the owner relinquishes his/her rights to the animal(s) or until final disposition of this case.”
By law, the defendants forfeit their rights to the animals if they fail to pay the court-ordered funds within five business days of the original order or five business days after each 30-day period. Additionally, if at a future date the Brambletts do relinquish their rights to the dogs, the court “will issue an order refunding to the defendant any unused portions of said deposit(s) made pursuant to the Court’s Order.”
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The Brambletts have the right to appeal the court’s decision.
Couple charged with hundreds of counts of animal cruelty
The 29 dogs in question were among more than 400 animals seized when a search warrant was executed on the Bramblett’s property on April 12. All of the other animals have been adopted or sent to animal rescues.
The Brambletts are charged with 340 counts each of animal cruelty and one count each of possessing game animals without a permit.
The trial in the criminal case against them is now scheduled to begin November 7 at 9 a.m. at the Habersham County Courthouse. The 29 dogs will remain on court hold until a final verdict is reached.
