Sign: Animal Control Officer Accused of Throwing Live Puppies into Incinerator

Published: July 14, 2026 at 08:15 PM Author: Lead Investigative Writer

Monroe County, Georgia – An animal control officer for the Monroe County animal shelter was fired after he allegedly threw four live puppies into an incinerator. According to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, a report indicated the puppies were “presumably alive” when Carlos Santillan allegedly put them in the incinerator on June 18, 2026.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Anna Watkins said:

“I can confirm that it is true that the puppies were placed in the incinerator and they were presumably alive.”

Euthanizing shelter pets is heartbreaking enough, but ending the lives of young puppies is a cruelty that shatters people’s trust in the very system meant to protect them. To think that someone could place LIVE puppies into an incinerator is beyond comprehension. These puppies were failed by society before being entrusted to an animal shelter where they were ultimately betrayed by an animal control officer in the most shocking manner possible.

A Facebook posts Santillan appearing to genuinely care about the homeless animals entrusted to him.

But somewhere along the line, something appears to have dramatically changed. Something that allegedly made this man put four living puppies into an incinerator where they suffered unimaginable deaths.

The police have investigated this case and the results of their investigation led to Santillan’s arrest and four felony animal cruelty charges. Now we need your signatures urging the court to impose the maximum sentence permitted by law if Carlos Santillan is convicted. Please add your name today to hold this man accountable for what he did to these innocent puppies who suffered horrific deaths.

Decision Maker: The Honorable Dorothy V. Hull, District Attorney

Why This Petition Matters

Four homeless puppies, entrusted to the care of staff at the Monroe County Animal Shelter, died in an unimaginable manner. Police say the four puppies were presumably alive when Carlos Santillan, acting as the shelter’s animal control officer, put them in an incinerator. There is no way to spin burning live puppies in an incinerator as being “okay” or even minimally tolerable. We demand that Carlos Santillan face the full weight of Georgia law if he is convicted. This was a despicable act of cruelty that absolutely must not go unpunished.

Click the PDF below to read more about the potential sentencing if Carlos Santillan is convicted as charged.

Animal Protection Laws of Georgia

Potential Criminal Penalties if Carlos Santillan Is Convicted

Note: Carlos Santillan’s bond was set at $5,000 and jail records indicate that he has been released from custody.

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Based on reports from authorities, details may change. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Images may be illustrative.

Update: Animal Victory sent the petition to media outlets on August 15, 2026. 

Update: Defendant Carlos Santillan was not indicted in August; however, Animal Victory has been advised to call the DA’s office back the week of November 15, 2026. At that time, he may be indicted, and a District Attorney assigned to his case, as well as a case number assigned.

Update: Lisa Holthaus, the whistleblower in this case, has reached out to Animal Victory with additional information. Holthaus says County Commissioner John Ambrose has accused her of “trying to obtain” a former employee’s position. Holtaus claims her reputation has been damaged because of the commissioner’s statements and accusations. Holthaus tells Animal Victory, “With such an egregious crime, the whistleblower shouldn’t be seen as the problem.” She is pushing for an investigation into Commissioner Ambrose’s conduct. Read the letter from Holthaus to the Monroe County Board of Commissioners below.

Update: Defendant Carlos Santillan was booked into the Monroe County Jail on July 6th, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. and released at 6:51 p.m. The assumption is that Santillan posted bail. This case is still an active investigation and has not yet been transferred to the Monroe County District Attorney ‘s Office. Animal Victory was told to contact the D.A.’s office in two weeks to receive a case number and a potential date for Grand Jury Indictment – 478-994-7652.