A Savannah man, already on bond for a murder charge, is under fire again—this time for running a brutal dog-fighting operation. Authorities say Isaiah Goodman, 35, is now facing 27 counts of dog fighting and animal cruelty. His history paints a grim picture: Goodman had 13 dogs seized in 2017 for similar allegations, and the conditions described in recent reports are horrifying.
Shocking Conditions at the Property
The details in the police report reveal an appalling reality. Officers who arrived at the Walton Street property on September 4, 2024, found 28 dogs living in what they described as unimaginable filth. Dogs were tethered to barrels and cramped cages, surrounded by mounds of fecal matter. Many of them showed severe injuries, including scars and disfigurements consistent with fighting.
Inside a sweltering shed, officers found a puppy no older than six months, trapped among debris. Another dog, hidden in a bathroom, bore fresh wounds on its snout and stomach, indicative of a recent fight. The air was thick with the smell of urine and decay.
“I’ve seen murder reports that don’t carry as much emotion or detail as this one,” said Skye Musson, a criminal defense attorney. “No living creature, not even a houseplant, should be subjected to such conditions.”
A Troubling Pattern of Abuse
Goodman’s record reveals a disturbing trend. In 2017, he faced similar allegations when 13 dogs were confiscated. Only one survived: a mother dog and her puppies, who were later adopted by Jennifer Taylor of Renegade Paws Rescue. Taylor remembers the ordeal vividly.
“Of all those dogs, just one made it out alive. I kept her until the day she passed,” she said.
Despite this history, no charges were brought against Goodman for the 2017 incident. Now, Taylor and others are demanding accountability. “To have done this once and face no repercussions, and then do it again with even more animals—it’s beyond outrageous,” she said.
Evidence of Dog Fighting: From “Flirt Toys” to Scarring
The police report details the presence of tools commonly associated with dog fighting. Officers found steel cables used to tether dogs, makeshift “flirt toys” to train fighting dogs, and PVC pipes fashioned into devices to build the dogs’ strength.
Signs of abuse were everywhere:
- Dogs with grotesque scars, likely from fights.
- One dog with a spinal injury consistent with dog fighting injuries.
- Puppies crammed into small, dirty spaces, with just three square feet to move.
Animal Control Officers also discovered empty motor oil containers. They explained that motor oil is often used in illegal breeding operations to treat mange—a cost-saving but dangerous alternative to proper veterinary care.
Rescue Efforts and Mounting Costs
Renegade Paws Rescue, in collaboration with certified dog trainer Jen Deane, has stepped in to save the surviving dogs. The cost of medical care is already adding up.
“Tiny Dancer, one of the rescued dogs, needs surgery on both her back knees. The cost? Around $4,000, even with a rescue discount,” said Deane.
These figures only cover one dog’s care. With dozens of animals requiring treatment for injuries, malnourishment, and disease, the financial burden is enormous.
Community Outrage and a Plea for Awareness
The sheer scale of the operation and its proximity to a residential neighborhood have left many in Savannah stunned.
“This happened right here, in a traditional neighborhood. Twenty-eight dogs on one property. No one heard anything? No one asked questions?” Musson said, highlighting the need for community vigilance.
Taylor echoed this sentiment, urging people to report suspicious activities. “If you see something, say something. These dogs lived in hell, and they didn’t have to.”
What Happens Next?
As Goodman faces new charges, activists and rescue groups are calling for stricter enforcement and harsher penalties for animal abuse. The community is rallying behind the rescued dogs, but the road to recovery is long.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the cruelty that can occur in plain sight—and the responsibility everyone shares to speak up and act.
