RENE CARLOS SANTILLAN, Monroe County Animal Control Officer, arrested and fired on accusations of incinerating four puppies while “presumably alive”

- Georgia, USA -

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office reports that on July 6, 2026, investigators received a disturbing complaint about an incident that took place on June 18, 2026, at the Monroe County Animal Shelter.

Investigators learned that Animal Control Officer RENE CARLOS SANTILLAN (pictured), had placed four innocent and defenseless puppies inside an incinerator.

I reached out to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office to inquire about the puppies and its spokesperson, Ms. Watkins, told me in an email: “The case is still under investigation, but I can share that the puppies were placed in an incinerator, presumably while they were still alive.”

SANTILLAN was taken into custody and charged with four felony counts of cruelty to animals. He was booked into the Monroe County Jail and a magistrate judge set his bond at $5,000. At the time of writing records show SANTILLAN is no longer in custody!

The sheriff’s office advised that the Monroe County Board of Commissioners has terminated SANTILLAN’s employment effective immediately.

The investigation is still active.

On a separate note, in April 2026, Monroe County Animal Control Director 49-year-old BECKY GIFFORD and two other individuals were arrested after authorities seized many packages of marijuana from a home in Forsyth.

Authorities executed a search warrant as part of a multi-state drug investigation and found numerous containers, bags, and pots of marijuana.

Through a Facebook post, the Monroe County Board of Commissioners announced at the time that GIFFORD was fired immediately following her arrest, and advised that longtime Animal Control Officer SANTILLAN would serve as interim director.

My heart goes out to the poor, innocent, and helpless animals in the “care” of the Monroe County shelter! 

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Voice For Us Disclaimer: This story is sourced from the press release by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Please note that details may be removed or new information added should updates become available.

In the case of charges being dropped, dismissed, or the case being purged, this article will be rectified accordingly, if official documentation is provided to Voice For Us.

SANTILLAN’s mugshot provided to Voice For Us by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

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