Two Rome residents were arrested this week after authorities say they failed to provide proper care for their children and dozens of animals living inside their Old Dalton Road home.
According to reports, Michael Robert Thornton, 51, and Jessica Nicole Thornton, 39, allegedly allowed their two children to live in unsanitary conditions, with animal feces, urine and trash throughout the residence.
Police said a 15-year-old boy and an 11-year-old girl were attending school with animal waste on their clothing and bookbags. Officers also noted the teen showed signs of dental neglect.
During the investigation, officers reported finding 37 dogs inside the home living in what they described as deplorable conditions.
Both Thornton and Thornton are charged with 37 counts of cruelty to animals and two counts of cruelty to children.
