Georgia Department of Agriculture Law Enforcement Investigation Leads to Criminal Charges in Pike County Horse Neglect Case

Mon, Feb 2 2026

ATLANTA, GA - Today, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper announced the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA) Law Enforcement Division has charged Ashley Wilson of Pike County with 10 criminal charges, including 4 felonies, following an investigation into an alleged case of severe horse neglect in Concord, Georgia.

"We have zero tolerance for animal abuse in the State of Georgia," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. "I'm proud of the work our officers did to rescue these horses from an abusive situation, and we are also grateful to the volunteers and partners who stepped in to help care for and rehome these animals."

On November 16, 2025, GDA Law Enforcement received a report and determined through its investigation that the owner moved ten horses to a pasture in Concord approximately one week earlier without providing food, water, or adequate grazing, despite the horses already being in a neglected condition. As a result of the neglect, one horse did not survive. GDA Law Enforcement rescued the remaining nine horses and with the assistance of dedicated volunteers, successfully rehoused them. Investigators later recovered two additional horses from the original herd at a separate location and successfully rehoused those animals.

• Category

• Commissioner
• Law Enforcement

Media contacts

• Matthew Agvent,Communications Director
• Liz Rivera-Brown,Deputy Communications Director

About GDA's Law Enforcement Division
The Georgia Department of Agriculture's Law Enforcement Division, reinstated by Commissioner Harper upon taking office, is crucial for enforcing agricultural laws and regulations. Empowered by statute, the Division tackles a wide range of issues, including animal cruelty, labor violations, drug trafficking, and agro-terrorism, while also enhancing security at state farmers markets. Additionally, its Emergency Management branch leads the Department's response to emergencies, such as natural disasters and animal disease outbreaks, ensuring a rapid and effective reaction to safeguard Georgia's agricultural community and public safety.

Georgia Department of Agriculture
Tyler J Harper, Commissioner
19 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA 30334