Dalton Man Arrested After Community Tips Lead to Animal Cruelty Investigation Outside Walmart

DALTON, Ga. — A Dalton man was arrested Friday after community members alerted law enforcement to several dogs being kept in small cages outside a Walmart.

According to the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office, an overwhelming number of public tips led deputies and the Dalton Police Department to investigate reports involving dogs outside the Walmart on Shugart Road.

Authorities said the investigation began after a post on the “What’s Going on Dalton” Facebook page was shared and commented on hundreds of times, prompting numerous residents to notify law enforcement.

Following the investigation, 33-year-old Nickalous Lee Payton of Dalton was arrested on June 26 by the Dalton Police Department.

Whitfield County Animal Control officers seized the dogs from the scene and transported them to the Whitfield County Animal Shelter.

Payton has been charged with three counts of Cruelty to Animals. His bond was set at $2,250.

The sheriff’s office thanked the public for reporting the incident but reminded residents that while social media can help bring attention to concerns, it should not replace calling law enforcement directly.

“We greatly appreciate the trust you all put into us every day,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement. “If you see something, please call it in. If we get a call, we are able to respond faster and more appropriately to help the citizens and pets of Whitfield County.”

The agency also encouraged residents to familiarize themselves with local city and county animal ordinances.